Temperament debate

[Tom Cole]

Ed Foote wrote:
> 
>       I submit that  temperament is more like the light falling upon the
> surface of the paintings.   If you change the color of the light  from what
> the original artist was using, have you not changed his message?
> 
Agreed. I like your image; it's more poetic.
> 
>     An ill-chosen temperament is precisely what I hope technicians will learn
> to recognize.  A well-executed HT *will*  enhance a composition written for
> it. ( and a poorly chosen one will ruin a performance!)
> 

> >You might even say that the piece and the temperament are integral.
>     This is precisely what I am saying.
> 
>      On  separate  but associated issues;  The  argument for the use of ET for
> its convenience, or universality of use is a separate debate from the debate
> over key characters , (or which tonal palettes  best serve a given
> composition).  Attacking the use of any temperament demands that the argument
> is based on the actual physical sound of a piece of music.  It must be done by
> listening and forming a musical decision, not pointing to assorted historical
> promises or the current status quo.
> 
>       Sadly, there has been a lot of needless, counterproductive bandwidth
> involved in this thread.   I think it arises from a lack of faith that the
> truly valuable things will eventually be recognized.  There is no need to tear
> down the walls.  Time and harmony will get things done in graceful fashion.
>         Attitudes are real things, and we will only change them with their owner's
> permission.  The willingness to try something new will often disappear as soon
> as the musician decides that you are rejecting something they have always
> accepted.  If our goal,  as Temperament Crusaders,  is to promote something
> new,   I suggest that we will see more success by offering additional musical
> resources to musicians, rather than castigating whatever they have, in hopes
> of replacing it with our own favored arrangements.
>     The ability to tune a HT is a separate skill from the ability to sell it.
> 
Your words bear reposting. You are certainly doing a good job of selling
me with your attitude. Thanks for pouring some oil on troubled tuning
pins.

Best regards,
Tom
-- 
Thomas A. Cole, RPT
Santa Cruz, CA