George Gershwin's Music

[Billbrpt@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 6/24/00 9:27:23 PM Central Daylight Time, 
JTTUNER@webtv.net (james turner) writes:

<< You mentioned something about George Gershwin's music and a default
 tuning.  Would you explain further?  Besides being a tuner, I also play
 the piano and the music of George Gershwin is my favorite.  What type of
 temperment would sound best with his music. >>

Ed said that Gershwin was part of the Equal Temperament (ET) era and so his 
music sounds best in ET.  Although his music sometimes has complex harmonies 
and chromatic modulations which many people think can only work in ET, it is 
not really true.  Gershwin's music has lot's of blues and ragtime influences 
from America's Black culture.


These forms are really best heard in a mild Well-Temperament such as a 
Victorian or a very mild Meantone such as a 1/7 or 1/8 Comma Meantone.  When 
using these kinds of temperaments and playing Gershwin's music in the key it 
was written, you hear the small minor 2nds and 3rds which are often called 
the "Blue Note" of Jazz or Blues music.  ET negates these qualities and 
creates smooth modulations where none are called for.  Does this music belong 
in an elevator or on the telephone while you've been put on hold or does it 
belong in an atmosphere where there is liveliness and excitement?

I don't think you'll find any compelling argument as to why Gershwin must be 
played in ET, only some of the absolute nonsense that you have seen about why 
Bach, Mozart or Beethoven must be in ET.  These people simply can't enjoy 
anything beyond the only sound that they have ever known and the concept that 
the scale must be divided equally or else it is not rational.

Bill Bremmer RPT
Madison, Wisconsin