List, I attended a concert at our local concert hall in Pacifica, CA. We are beginning a 9 concert series celebrating the piano and its 300 years. Last nights performance featured Tamara Loring, Harpschichord and John Khori, Pianoforte. I didn't bring a program home so the exact compositions I can't put down at this time. John did play 2 concerto's by Haydn first and then Mozart. They both tuned their own instruments and tuned in equal temperment. The concert was enjoyed by all! David Ilvedson -----Original Message----- From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Richard Moody Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2000 8:53 AM To: piano tech Subject: Re: Question regarding Well Temp. Tuning > Hi all, > > Which composers would have possiblely played on an instrument tuned in Well > Temp.? > Other then Bach, would Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, Clara Schumann... > > Thanks, > > Doug Mahard Possibly all, we really don' t know. Or none since they did not know of the term "Well". ; ) The BIG question this question always raises is how come they (the Composers) did not tell us which temps they played in? The other question is, what is a Well, what was the theory of it and how did they attempt to acheive it? Since the Composers appear to be ambivilant about temperament, the relevance of the question, who played or composed in what is so far only of historiographical importance . Most if not all of the information of temperament comes not from the Composers themselves but from the theorists of temeraments who were not composers. (Or not noted for their compositions). Just because the theories of say, Werckmeister, Kirnberger, Young or Montal were known in their respective times doesn't mean the Composer's used them. Without historical evidence to establish the fact (of use) it is a matter of speculation concerning the composers and their preference for temperament(s). This does not preclude preferences of today's performers or listeners. The musical effect can be noted, but the historical merit or relavance is lacking. Regarding, "what is a well", it seems that some of the theories designated by this name appear to be those modifications of Meantone which were attempts to eliminate the wolf or make it easier to tune. (balancing heavily tempered 5ths with pure 5ths). It seems the term "irregular" preceeded the term "well" which is not to be confused with Bach's "Well Tempered...." Until we know what He had in mind for His title, it is better to leave "well enough alone", imho. inspite of its "j'ne sais ring" ---ric
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC