From: "Wik Bohdanowicz"
Subject: Re: [CB] Tuning systems
Date: Mon, 4 Oct 2004 23:51:28 +0100
> So on to my question: Besides "tempered" (think
Bach's "Wohltempiert
> Klavier"), what are the other intonation systems used in
music -- I'm thinking
> primarily Western music
How long have you got? Before equal temperament there were
a host of systems, mostly based on the Pythagorean system. This
led to the pythagorean comma problem. To iron out the variations
in this all sorts of systems were devised to make notes more than an
octave apart be in tune. There was the development of modes which led
to our key signatures. Unsurprisingly the Chinese looked at these
problems long before the west. JSB forced the whole matter to a head.
It seems the problem still exists in primitive systems as
guitarists still seem to need to re-tune their instruments between
songs.
You can have the full essay later if I can find time to
type it: otherwise refer to Goodall's "Big Bands" or other recent books.
Wik
---------------------------------------------------------
From: "Richard Simons"
Subject: [CB] non equal temperment
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2004 09:36:09 -0400
The Great Highland Bagpipes are not tempered. With only nine
notes there was never a need. Part of the reason why they strike many
people as strident. It is one of the few perfectly tuned instruments.
Richard Simons
---------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 05 Oct 2004 08:17:11 -0700
From: "Chuck Guzis"
Subject: Re: [CB] Tuning systems
On 10/4/2004, Wik Bohdanowicz asked:
>How long have you got?
And the discussion wouldn't even begin to touch on the area of
psycho-acoustics! Many discoveries made during the last 40 or so
years have shown that the mathematical basis of harmony to be not as
simple or elegant as it was once considered to be, once the human
factor is involved.
Best regards,
Chuck
---------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 05 Oct 2004 10:51:17 -0700
From: Craig
Subject: Re: [CB] non equal temperment
Ah, the Highland Pipes! I had noticed that my practice chanter
moves 'sharp' going up the scale, and I had simply put it down to
beginner's technique (or lack thereof). In hindsight I see that the
absence of lip contact with the reed limits the player's options for
'tuning' while playing.
I suppose the chanter could be 'tempered' by covering it with
keywork, but I would rather not think what that might do to the sound.
The Pipes aren't meant to be tamed.
Craig
---------------------------------------------------------
From: "Wik Bohdanowicz"
Subject: Re: [CB] non equal temperment
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2004 18:49:32 +0100
Pentatonic as I recall. I have a truly awful CD of a
highland pipe band trying to play normal tunes.
Wik
---------------------------------------------------------
From: "Wik Bohdanowicz"
Subject: Re: [CB] Tuning systems
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2004 18:51:59 +0100
>And the discussion wouldn't even begin to touch on the area
of psycho-acoustics!
Does anyone know the name (or how I may get hold of) of the
recording of what sounds like a never ending scale of chords on the
organ?
Wik
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