In a message dated 98-03-29 02:19:19 EST, you write: << How many of those taking part in this discussion of orchestral intonation have played in professional orchestras? >> Although I haven't participated in this particular discussion, I do have experience as a string player in professional orchestras. String and wind players, as well as singers do not usually play in just intonation. They play or sing with vibrato which by definition is anything but just intonation. If one is playing or singing with a piano where this instrument can be clearly heard and is a solo instrument or dominates the others such as in a small ensemble, the temperament can affect the intensity of the vibrato that is used. Sometimes, if the harmony is very still and quiet, such as in a final ending cadence, the intonation may resolve to being just or nearly so. Some choirs, when singing certain music may sing with no vibrato and attempt as nearly to just intonation as possible. Although I have never been an early music performer, I recognize the kind of just intonation that comes from certain of those groups too. In general however, modern performers use a vibrato which lends a certain warmth to the sound. It would not be considered good performance without it. Small ensemble players do, in fact, complain at times that a piano tuned in ET provides a certain conflict because its vibrato is preset in a manner which is inconsistent, if not in opposition to the music. A piano tuned in a WT or ET effectively aligns itself with the music. Since the Marpurg I is an Atonal temperament like ET, it does not improve upon the tonal alignment. The Marpurg I simply gives a cleaner sound to 3/4 of the harmony but does not create any tonality beyond one kind of major and one kind of minor as ET does. Bill Bremmer RPT Madison, Wisconsin
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