Timbre

Inherence; individuality.


The timbre (TAM-bur) of an instrument is what allows it to be differentiated from other instruments; it is the instrument’s own unique sound. What gives an instrument its timbre is its physical attributes: the materials from which it’s made, its planes, curves, openings, its vibrating and stationary parts. Each of these attributes engages specific harmonics and resonances when the instrument is sounded, and together they give an instrument its color, its distinct harmonic signature. 

Timbre is an Elemental card, and represents our individuality, the singular resonant shape we are each uniquely given to sound. It can refer to asserting our individuality, to being ourselves; it can also point to the uniqueness of what’s at hand, and the singular approach required to handle it.

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