I can't for the life of me figure out where this notion (that discussion of temperament is off topic) came from.  Certainly not from me, nor from the list description or guidelines.  I've even been amazed to see someone taken to task by another for posting something about fortepiano or clavichord on this "harpsichord list!"  I only wish we had more, and more varied discussion, covering seldom-mentioned topics such as performance practice, scores and editions, favorite recordings or performances, news of subscribers, etc.

For example, I was very (VERY!) surprised that the recent assertion by Glen Wilson, that the harpsichord music we all know and love by Louis Couperin may in fact not have been composed by him(!)!  (The very interesting article is in the latest edition of Early Keyboard Journal).  I am sure our esteemed subscriber who has produced the wonderful edition of Couperin's harpsichord music must have given this considerable thought.  I was frankly flabbergasted to read this article, and must admit that the author is pretty persuasive.  Let me repeat:  An article recently published in a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal makes a strong case that the music we all know as that of Louis Couperin, going back through the editions of Alan Curtis and Philip Brunold and beyond, was actually composed by someone else!  Are my eyebrows the only pair that flew up?

In short, it's all good.  The only strictures placed on posting here are that we don't personally attack individuals; that individuals' WORK (instruments built, public performances, recordings, writings) may be criticized but only in a constructive and not personal manner; and that we stay on (or very close) to topics related to early keyboard instruments and their music, performance, teaching, building, maintaining, etc.  And while we eschew advertising, we welcome (non-hyperbolic) information on new instruments, new editions, and occasionally seeking/for sale items, as long as they are not repeated regularly.

And, while I have the floor, I have no problem with material discussed in the past being re-introduced or re-discussed.  It's OK to direct others to the archives to review previous discussion on a topic-that's always helpful--but that helpful advice should never include the admonition that what's in the archives cannot or should not be discussed again and anew.

If there is a problem with a particular post (or poster) please bring it to the attention of the list owner at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.  It's not your job to chastise others.  Let the list owner deal with problems like this.  As has been noted, sometimes the self-appointed police person is the one in the wrong.

dk

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