Temperaments

[A440A]

Greetings, 
Jim writes: 
<snipping stuff that doesn't disturb me>
 
 >  it disturbs me to see questions/comments formed that places ET on > one
side and historical tunings on the other.  

     Yea, me too.  I am not sure where the contention comes from. I have been
on ET for years, and just recently added the other tunings.  It is an
enriching addition.   Poses the question, "Why do the heathen rage?"
    Intonation has been in a state of flux for over 2000 years.  History
proves that intonation is driven by technology, and there is no reason to
believe that will stop.   Someday ET will also be a historical temperament.  
 
>  it disturbs me that some seem to believe that support for  ET means >non-
support for historical temperaments

    I also .  There is no reason for one to be exclusive of the other.
Familiarity with a variety of tuning styles lends perspective that is not
available to those limited to only one style, regardless of what it is. 
    I'll repeat, "there is far more difference between knowing one temperament
and knowing two, than there is between knowing two and ten..........."  
 
>  Fifthly, and lastly, the surreptitious placement of non ET on >customers
pianos when they have a right to expect a "normal" tuning, >i.e. ET, is
unethical  

    This doesn't disturb me at all.  It is a self-leveling endeavor, in that
the tech is risking a "misunderstanding", and must decide if the returns are
worth it.  
      I don't do it, because I believe that my own credibility is better
reinforced by education and demonstration.  I also enjoy seeing pianists
discover some of the original complexities inherent in the art of baroque and
classical modulation.  Understanding the balance between the fifths and
thirds, and what the different keys favor creates  an important musical
dimension for the pianists.  It is not uncommon to hear that their
interpretation has changed in response to the tuning better supporting the
composition. 
     There is a choice in temperament decisions today.  Those that believe
music is best served by one will not change.  Those that investigate variety
will lose nothing by doing so, but stand the chance of breaking new ground. 
    At present, the only two places I know to hear the temperaments on modern
pianos are my CD and Susan Halligan's.  Whereas I have four sonatas, she has
the "Diabelli Variations" as well as several demonstration tracks.  We both
used a Kirnberger III.  She has  killer cover art on hers by M. Jorgensen, (I
think).  
     I really would like to see a temperament discussion on the sound of these
tunings, rather than the theoretical "rightness" of doing them or not.  
long enough, 
Regards, 
Ed Foote 
(I ain't lost my Temperment............)