Hi all- Jeff wrote: If we "start out" with "milder modern" alternative temperament creations, then where's the authenticity of the historical temperament? Even using Victorian Temperaments, which as I understand it, were the best attempts possible at the time of achieving ET, wouldn't be representative for earlier compositions. >>>>>>>>>>>> I understand the desire to be as authentic as possible when trying to match temperament to the period of the composer, but let's take a different look at this..... The ET that we use values progression of intervals in CHROMATIC order. What we'd like to hear, considering thirds, is an even progression as they roughly double from octave to octave. A well temperament shifts that progression to a circle of fifths order. So, once we've crossed over to any well temperament,(Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore) it's this shared concept of progression from CEG to F#A#C# and back to CEG that becomes the goal. Sure, the slopes on the graphs are different, displaying different solutions tried by different people throughout time. So unless you find something in the historical record showing a composer's preference, you are on your own to pick a tuning. I like to pick one that plays through the circle without any surprise chords sticking out. The reason I recommended a mild tuning, is that it's possible to put the sound of key color back into the piano without taking the tuning to the point of causing problems for the "modern ear". It doesn't take much, even offsets maxing out at 2-3 cents can give plenty of variation. Now, Meantone tunings, that's a different story, for an older time... someone else? Ron Koval _________________________________________________________________ Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
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