first chapter presentation

[Ron Koval]

Hi everyone

Last Tuesday was my first presentation at our Chicago chapter meeting.

I survived! (Actually I had a great time, everyone was receptive and asked 
good questions)

Of course, as graphman, I chose to present "seeing" the temperaments.  Did a 
quick intro including why we need to temper intervals, and used a very broad 
paintbrush to explain differing tuning systems.(meantone, well)  Progressed 
on to an introduction of graphing the major thirds (how many cents from 
pure) to visually get an indication of how a temperament will 'play'.  
Introduced the idea of diluting temperaments for everyday use.  I had 
earlier tuned 5 pianos for comparison:

1.  Prinz well, diluted to a 60% strength
2.  Penny temperament (one cent maximum offset. Created to show how much
    a one cent difference can make)
3.  Coleman 11
4.  Moore well
5.  Equal beating Victorian (Real close to what Bill Bremmer uses)

Everyone had about 40 minutes to travel from room to room and get a first 
hand impression of the differences and similarities between these 
temperaments.

We finished with a short discussion about beats, equal beating, and how we 
hear a difference between playing a triad versus just playing a major 3rd. 
(progressing through the circle of fifths)

I saw a few glazed eyes during the presentation (or maybe LaBorn has figured 
out how to sleep with his eyes open ((just kidding, John!))) but I think 
most people were able to get something out of the presentation.

I left them all with a handout of graphs and offsets of a bunch of the more 
common alternate temperaments.  So, guys and gals, go forth and experiment!

Ron Koval

Chicagoland
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