How the Ondes Martenot makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the Ondes Martenot belongs to the electrophones: sound is produced or shaped electronically – synthesizers, the theremin and electric organs.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The ondes Martenot or ondes musicales (lit. 'musical waves') is an early electronic musical instrument. Early models were played only by moving a ring tied to a wire, creating "wavering" sounds similar to a theremin, but a lateral-vibrato keyboard was soon added. Dynamics and timbre are adjusted using controls in a drawer on the instrument's left side. A player of the ondes Martenot is called an ondist.
The ondes Martenot was invented in 1928 by the French inventor Maurice Martenot. Martenot was inspired by the accidental overlaps of tones between military radio oscillators, and wanted to create an instrument with the expressiveness of the cello.
Other electrophones
Frequently asked questions
What does the Ondes Martenot sound like?
As one of the electrophones, its sound comes from the way sound is produced or shaped electronically.
What type of instrument is the Ondes Martenot?
It is classified as electrophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 531.1).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q862501 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Ondes Martenot – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by 30rKs56MaE at Japanese Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0