Fortepiano pitch levels

[Delwin D Fandrich]

What does the instrument maker have to say?

Del

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Johnson" <johnsond@stolaf.edu>
To: <caut@ptg.org>
Sent: August 28, 2002 9:48 AM
Subject: Fortepiano pitch levels


>
> Hello-
>
> I would be interested to know how others deal with requests for various
pitch
> levels on forte pianos. Our school just acquired and new, large Reiger
piano
> and I meet with the piano department tomorrow to try and articulate a
> "policy".   I see no way around getting caught in the middle between those
who
> want it for chamber music with modern instruments and the pianists (and
> vocalists) who seem to like the lower pitch.  I had hoped to keep it
around
> A430.  Obviously I am most concerned about avoiding pulling it up and down
and
> I find it hard to believe that any serious forte piano player would be
> satisfied at 440.  I even think it is even better for the instrument at
the
> lower pitch, but maybe that is just my imagination.  Any advise or
experience
> with this is welcome. Public or private.
>
>
> thanks,
>
> Dennis Johnson
> St. Olaf College
>