Problems with Automatic Classification of Musical Sounds

Abstract

Convenient searching of multimedia databases requires well annotated data. Labeling sound data with information like pitch or timbre must be done through sound analysis. In this paper, we deal with the problem of automatic classification of musical instrument on the basis of its sound. Although there are algorithms for basic sound descriptors extraction, correct identification of instrument still poses a problem. We describe di#culties encountered when classifying woodwinds, brass, and strings of contemporary orchestra. We discuss most di#cult cases and explain why these sounds cause problems. The conclusions are drawn and presented in brief summary closing the paper