The melodic vs harmonic perception of octaves is well documented in psycho-acoustic literature. With respect to tuning pianos this is at the root of the question how much to stretch treble beyond that required because of inharmonicty. If you look at the vast majority of keyboard works, the high treble is most often used for octave doubling...look at the change in piano writing between 1800 (on 5+ octave pianos) and 1820 (on 6+octave pianos). The added treble octave is hardly ever used in a melodic context, almost alway harmonic. Such practical considerations should clearly point the way with respect to treble tuning. Stephen Birkett Fortepianos Authentic Reproductions of 18th and 19th Century Pianos 464 Winchester Drive Waterloo, Ontario, Canada tel: 519-885-2228 email: sbirkett@aps.uoguelph.ca
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