[78-L] 78-L Digest, Vol 63, Issue 23

[Don Cox]

On 20/12/2013, JD wrote:


> ====================================================================
> 
> It's always been my understanding (as we were taught in grammatr ot
> high school) that Bach invented equal temperament which is how
> instruments of fixed pitch are built, indtruments in which the pitch
> can not be varied as it's being played; the piano, organ, fretted
> instruments, etc. 

This is another of those myths that have been listed in a nearby thread.

I think it is generally accepted now that the temperament used by the
Bach family was not Equal Temperament, but was designed to bring out a
different sound quality in each key.

Richard Egarr has recorded the Well-tempered Klavier using this tuning. 

http://www.larips.com/

NB most of what we were taught in school is myths.

> Choirs do NOT sing in equal temperament. Nor do
> orchestras play in equal temp. despite the fact that they may utilize
> fixed pitch instruments. Thus, the piano in playing with an orchstra
> is actually slightly out of tune with the orchestra even when tuned to
> the A-440 standard of the orchestra.

I agree.
> 

Regards
-- 
Don Cox
doncox at enterprise.net