Temperaments addendum

[A440A at aol.com]

Julia writes:

<< TO add another aspect of the temperaments question: Converesely, if 
I play jazz, say Herbie Nichols,  in the same temperament that Beethoven 
played on will it sound wierd? << 

       A lot of what we hear is the result of the pianist, regardless of 
temperament.  A highly tempered interval can be used harshly or expressively, 
depending on how the pianist plays it.  I have several jazz musicians that prefer 
a Victorian era tuning like the Broadwood's, and one that love a Young.  They 
have learned how to use the harmonic "palette" to their desired ends.  
 
>>Does modern music sound worse in an old temperament? Wouldn't the playing 
in 
different keys sound "wrong" or uneven? or would it be incosequential?>>

    In the main, it appears to be inconsequential.  The more pertinent 
question I would ask is, "Does a mild well-temperament do more damage to modern 
music than ET does to Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, etal?"   In side by 
side comparisons I have been involved with or observed, the ET tuning is 
rarely favored.  I just don't think our organic nature so easily embraces the 
mathematical result. Once again, this is a subjective thing, so there is no right 
or wrong "taste" involved.  I rarely have anyone want to go back to ET after 
becoming familiar with the alternative.  (But I bet I have lost a customer or 
two, but don't we all?)
Regards, 
 
Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html