<html> <body> At 04:13 PM 11/23/2005, Stan Ryberg wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""> This is a most informative posting, wrapping up a number of threads that have appeared periodically.  I would like to suggest an alternative theory concerning the rise of orchestral pitch (a fact, not a theory...it's been 442 in Chicago for years  at Orchestra Hall). </blockquote> Same at Symphony Hall in Boston. <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">  After years of playing in a variety of orchestras, I've seen wind players having to scramble to reach the pitch level of the strings...the manufacturers are only responding to what the players have reported that they need on the job.  Having played on...uh..."outdated" equipment myself, I've found it necessary to have the instruments cut to reach modern pitch levels.  Violinists, in particular, strive for the brilliance that a "slightly" raised pitch level affords...but in old violins especially, that can eventually lead to the instrument going "dead" as it accustoms itself to the higher tension.  Solution?  Raise the ! pitch again!  (Until the instrument implodes...)  These are very small increments, to be sure, but they add up to as high as 444 in some orchestras...and MOST wind players will have difficulty with their equipment at that level!  Cause and effect, yes, but I'm not convinced the cause began with the wind instruments.</blockquote> You are absolutely correct about pitch being constantly pushed up by the string players - and wind instrument manufacturers merely following the trend. I believe several major makers are now pitching their instruments at A=442 precisely for that reason. The only reason I mentioned wind instruments in my previous post was because that's what affected me personally in my professional life... We were doing fine at A=440 until the clarinettists squawked. The string players in the program haven't yet reached the prima-donna stage where they can throw their weight around, but if the clarinet can't tune down to the piano - well, that's a problem that I am expected to address... Israel Stein </body> </html>