Temperaments

[Anne Beetem]

. By the end of the second movement, it definite-
>ly is going to be "ailing". And by the end of the third movement--es-
>pecially if the pianist takes the repeat--that once "Well" temperament is
>probably going to be ready for intensive care and life-support systems!
>Thus those who want real historical accuracy with their historical
>temperaments should probably be laying them down on a really crappy
>Brambach grand with loose tuning pins!
>
>Les Smith

Thanks for the good laugh tonight,  Les!

         Yes,  having been practicing Beethoven on a friend's Walther
replica the other day,  the treble was becoming more poignant by the
minute!    Now, do realize all though, that touching up one of these old
babies is a quick activity, and people were already used to waiting for the
gut strings to retune between movements.   They probably didn't mind
waiting for the pianist, provided there was no 'attaca'!    Playing Mozart,
rarely makes it go out of tune, but Beethoven was really does push the
limits of his instruments.

          ab







Anne Beetem
Harpsichords & Historic Pianos
2070 Bingham Ct.
Reston, VA  20191
abeetem@wizard.net