Martin Lubenow and Jan-Peter Meyn 2007 Eur. J. Phys. 28 23 doi:10.1088/0143-0807/28/1/003
Martin Lubenow1 and Jan-Peter Meyn2
Show affiliationsThe simultaneous sound of several voices or instruments requires proper tuning to achieve consonance for certain intervals and chords. Most instruments allow enough frequency variation to enable pure tuning while being played. Keyboard instruments such as organ and piano have given frequencies for individual notes and the tuning must be based on a compromise. The equal temperament is not the only solution, but a special choice. Unequal temperaments produce better results in many cases, because important major thirds and triads are improved. Equal temperament was not propagated by Johann Sebastian Bach, as is often stated in introductory literature on this topic.
43.75.Mn Pianos and other keyboard stringed instruments
43.75.St Musical performance analysis and training
Issue 1 (January 2007)
Received 29 April 2006, in final form 29 June 2006
Published 30 October 2006
Martin Lubenow and Jan-Peter Meyn 2007 Eur. J. Phys. 28 23
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