h4-17a

  • ID Code: H4-17
  • Purpose: Compare and contrast several historically important musical scale temperaments.
  • Description: This is a recording of audio examples. Intervals illustrating properties and problems are given for the following temperaments: (1) Pythagorean, (2) Just, (3) Mean Tone, (4) Werckmeister, and (5) Equal Temperament. To illustrate the sounds of some temperaments in different keys, a short segment of a four-voice Bach chorale is played on an electronic organ, first in the key of C, then in the key of C#, in the following temperaments: (1) Just, (2) Mean Tone, (3) Werckmeister, (4) Equal Temperament. Detailed description of the various demonstrations is included.
  • Availability: Available
  • References: http://www.physics.umd.edu/deptinfo/facilities/lecdem/services/refs/refsh.htm#H4-17
  • Loc codes: H4, FS1