Greetings, Ed- good luck with the class. You will do fine. I have taken a back seat in these discussions for some time, for a variety of reasons, but I could offer that I really do not engage in long discussions about temperament with the musicians I work with. It rarely comes up. They all know, or have some idea about my opinions, and they respect and trust my aesthetic judgement to produce a tuning that will be appropriate. I have even heard the faculty brag to visitors that "our" tuner can tailor tunings to compliment individual instruments and music. Our reputation is on the line with every tuning, regardless of temperament, and my decisions about the tuning are my small contribution to the larger musical event. Of course I am open to discussion, but it would hard for me to work in a place where I did not have this professional freedom, responsibility and respect. Only once, several years ago, did someone suggest that my harpsichord tuning was too strong. I politely disagreed, but quickly tamed it down without incident. No problem. Ed has always had a very conservative, sensible voice on this subject and he will provide a useful introduction to anyone considering expanding their temperament vocabulary. nice holiday to all, Dennis Johnson St. Olaf College
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