A-442 (was Re: Fork or Float)

[Jim]

Dear List:

Once upon a time when I used to care for the pianos at Phoenix Symphony,
I had a request to tune the Harpsichord to 442 and then tune the piano
to the harpsichord.  When I arrived, I found the harpsichord about a 1/4
step flat.  I raised it to 442.  By the time I was finished I noticed that
it had dropped to 440.  I proceeded to tune the piano to the harpsichord
as per my instructions.  Jack Ratterrie, the Union steward accosted me and
said:  "What's this about tuning to 442?  We can't do that without a union
agreement."  I said: "Not to worry, it's at 440 now."  Then I explained
what my instructions were.  He was satisfied and agreed not to say any-
thing until afterwards.  After the concert, the ConcertMaster went
about with hands clasped in glee saying such things as: "Didn't the
symphony sound just brilliant tonight?   You know, we tuned to A442
tonight as a special request of the harpsichordist."

After this we had no more requests for pitch variance.

I one time asked my oldest brother Pat (who had been a Concert Master
in other syphonies) why violinist seemed to always want to tune higher
than anyone else.  I'll never forget his answer to me.  "We must
always be in the ascendancy."

People have been waging wars over pitch for centuries.  Kinda silly isn't
it?

The oboe player often gives a low A knowing that the violins will tune
high.  Then after the strings have finished tuning, then he gives the
right A for the rest of the orchestra.  It is surprising how many string
players don't get it.

Once Roger Williams was playing at Gammage auditorium.  He was touring
at that time with 3 of the world's outstanding Marimba players.  His
request was that the piano be tuned to A442.  When I arrived, I noticed
that the Marimbas were all tuned to A440.  I tuned the piano to A440.
At Intermission time back stage, Mr. Williams said to me:  "Coleman, you
sure have a great ear."  Who was I to argue with him?  And this was before
my Accutuner days.

If this thread keeps going on, I have one more good story on alternate
pitch which I threaten to post if necessary.

Jim Coleman, Sr.