In a message dated 98-03-23 00:19:32 EST, you write: << The key word is EVOLUTION.... (snip)Tuning has been and is evolving. (Snip) The process of evolution goes on. Where do we want to go from here? Richard Moody >> ---------- > Les -- > Clarity, new ideas, and a true pianist's viewpoint. > I had considered, on reading Stephen's post, that perhaps the music moved towards chromaticism _because_ the evolution of pianos and tuning made it possible. Your ideas go much deeper, and ring true. > Thanks! > Susan >> "Chromaticism" never has implied ET as a requirement. This is only an assumption. To imply that tuning has "evolved" to the point where ET is the ultimate refinement, that it can go no further, is also merely an assumption. It is what William Braid White, Helmholtz and others thought, and wanted, yes, but music did not necessarily take the path that they predicted. To remain locked in to the idea that piano tuning must only concentrate on refining ET severely limits the possibilities that the modern piano has. It is a much more powerful and expressive instrument than its predecessors. ET puts unnecessary and severe constraints on its potential. If the art of tuning is to truly evolve, it must include the vast array of possiblilities that exist and the way that modern ETD's can help effect them with accuracy, consistency and efficiency. Yes, I certainly am not afraid of believing that which I choose to believe and I certainly do not believe that ET is the end of the road. Bill Bremmer RPT Madison, Wisconsin
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