Temperament Tests, Thought # 2

[Ed Sutton]

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    The claim of the Well-temperament supporters is that the variety of =
tempering in a well-tuned well-temperament is more musically effective =
than a well-tuned equal-temperament (which is a special class of =
well-temperament).
    The tests of equal temperament -evenly rising beat rates of =
chromatically rising same class intervals- are more mathematical than =
musical.  Music seldom uses the harmonic motion of chromatically =
ascending same class intervals.
    The most common harmonic progression in music is the V-I root =
progression.  More than anything, this is what establishes the key =
center and any particular quality associated with it. =20
    The simplest test of a well-temperament is to play the chord =
progressions F-G-C(second inversion) and then F# -G# -C#(second =
inversion) in the temperament range. These two progressions will reveal =
the extremes of any well-designed well-temperament in parallel contrasts =
that are very exposed.
    Still better is to play around the circle of fifths in the =
temperament, and still better is to tune the mid-range and play around =
the circle of fifths.=20
    A person who is emotionally responsive to well-temperament will =
experience a very satisfying rise and release of tension in playing =
around the circle of fifths from C to C this way.  A person who has a =
negative response will be disturbed, and a person who doesn't care won't =
care. So perhaps we are testing both the person and the temperament!
    My own response to this is perhaps mediocre (in the middle!).  I =
know that there are people who hear and experience more clear responses =
to temperament than I hear and experience when listening to music.   I =
am accustomed to playing in temperaments from Vallotti to Victorian.  =
When I play a piano in Equal Temperament, I have a gradual feeling that =
something is lacking, though I seldom notice right away unless I test =
for temperament.  I wish there were some way to instantly change the =
temperament to see if my feeling would change. =20
    In any case, scientific tests of well-temperaments seem moot to me, =
since the musical test is subjective.  ETD's give us the ability to tune =
many varieties repeatedly, and to get right down to the subjectivity =
that it's all about.=20
    On the occasions when I tune a Well-temperament by ear, I don't =
concern myself with its official name.  When I'm satisfied with the =
circle of fifths test,  relative to the music that will be played, I'm =
done. =20
     Ed Sutton

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