Tuning and Temperament: A Historical SurveyThe demands of tuning (attaining the perfect scale) and temperament (the compromises necessary for composing in every key) have challenged musicians from the earliest civilizations onward. This guide surveys these longstanding problems, devoting a chapter to each principal theory and offering a running account of the complete history of tuning and temperament. Organized chronologically, the book features a helpful glossary and numerous illustrative tables, and it requires minimal background in music theory. This new reissue is currently the only edition in print of a much-quoted classic. 9 figures. 180 tables. |
Contents
MeantoneTemperament | v |
Irregular Systems | vii |
From Theory to Practice Tuning ofKeyboard Instruments Just Intonation in Choral Music | 158 |
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Common terms and phrases
advocated approximation arithmetical arrangement better called cents century Chapter chromatic circulating clavichord clavier close common considered constructed contains continued correct described deviation diatonic difficult discussed ditonic comma divided division enharmonic equal temperament error example exponents fifths figures finding five flat four fourth fractions frets gave geometrical given Grammateus half Harmonie higher included indicated instruments intervals inthe intonation irregular Johann keyboard keys larger later Leipzig length London lower lute major third Marpurg’s mean mean proportionals meantone temperament mentioned Mersenne Mersenne’s method minor monochord Neidhardt’s notes obtained octave ofthe organ pair Paris perfect pitches possible practice precisely presented pure pure fifths Pythagorean tuning ratio reference remaining represents root scale semitone sharp showed shown sixteenth slightly string stringlengths symmetric syntonic comma Table theorists theory tone tothe variety writers