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Harpsichords and Related Topics

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Subject:
From:
"D. Kelzenberg" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Harpsichords and Related Topics <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 24 Sep 1994 20:26:48 -0500
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Hello early keyboard netters--
 
We have now been "on line" for a few days, and --wow-- we have over 100
subscribers already!  For our newest members, welcome to the
harpsichord/early keyboard net!  I hope we will have many interesting and
lively discussioins on this forum.  Please feel free to contribute--share
recital programs, tell us your favorite recordings, tell us about the
instruments you play or build, or would like to.
 
A question was posted recently about the tuning stability of
harpsichords, in comparison with the piano.  Tuning stability in
harpsichords varies considerably from instrument to instrument.  However,
none are as stable as modern pianos.  What you may not realize is that
pianos go out of tune quickly, although they do not "wander" far enough
to be noticable to most people.  Harpsichords, on the other hand, go
fairly quickly beyond the bounds of acceptability.  On instruments with a
4' stop, it is usually good luck to make it through a concert without the
4' going out of tune!  The 8' registers are capable of staying in tune
for considerably longer, from several days to several weeks depending on
the weather and the sensitivity of the player.  (OTOH my clavichord stays
reasonably in tune for months!)
 
The good news is that the harpsichord (even with multiple registers) is
easier to tune than the piano.  Most harpsichordists keep their
instruments in tune by regularly "touching it up" before playing.  Even
if it is impossibly out-of-tune, it can be completely tuned in less than
1/2 hour with a little practice.  While not quite as easy, it is
comparable to the guitar, which is (hopefully) tuned before each playing
session.
 
I would like to throw out a general query about tuning and temperaments
to the list.  What temperament(s) do you prefer to set?  How do you set
it/them, and what music and instruments is it good for?
 
Dave Kelzenberg
List Owner

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