Dennis, We only have one fortepiano here - a Phillip Belt copy of a 1769 Stein - which we keep at A-440 because there is no call here for lower pitch. In my investigations on the topic, I have come across a history of musical pitch written by Ed Swenson which can be accessed via his website at: http://www.mozartpiano.com/pitch.html I found it very interesting and often at odds with our conception of historic pitch. For example, he lists A-441 as the pitch used by the Paris opera in 1836-39 and A-445.4 as the pitch used at the Vienna Conservatory in 1845. These are measurements made of surviving tuning forks. I would be interested in your opinion of whether your instrument clearly sounds better at either pitch, or just different. Eric ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eric Wolfley Head Piano Technician Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music University of Cincinnati ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -----Original Message----- From: Dennis Johnson [mailto:johnsond@stolaf.edu] Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 12:49 PM To: caut@ptg.org Subject: Fortepiano pitch levels Hello- I would be interested to know how others deal with requests for various pitch levels on forte pianos. Our school just acquired and new, large Reiger piano and I meet with the piano department tomorrow to try and articulate a "policy". I see no way around getting caught in the middle between those who want it for chamber music with modern instruments and the pianists (and vocalists) who seem to like the lower pitch. I had hoped to keep it around A430. Obviously I am most concerned about avoiding pulling it up and down and I find it hard to believe that any serious forte piano player would be satisfied at 440. I even think it is even better for the instrument at the lower pitch, but maybe that is just my imagination. Any advise or experience with this is welcome. Public or private. thanks, Dennis Johnson St. Olaf College
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