Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited


well temperament


    a system of tuning in which the intervals between degrees are unequal, and in which the members of various chords approximate just ratios to various degrees of accuracy, depending on the "root" of the chord.

    This produces a sound which gives a different "color" or affect to the different chords and keys.

    Modern research has reached somewhat of a consensus that J. S. Bach's infamous Well-Tempered Klavier was written for keyboards tuned in a well-temperament (hence the name of the work), thus exploiting the different characters of the 24 major and minor keys in which the pieces are written, in contrast with the formerly-held opinion that this work demonstrated the "usefulness" of 12-EQ.

    A well-temperament is generally named after the theorist who first wrote about it. Two of the most famous are Werckmeister III and Valotti & Young.

    [from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]


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