I have just been reading , in today’s Sunday Times, a review of a new book called “How Equal Temperament Ruined Harmony: And Why You Should Care” by Ross W Duffin.
I found it difficult enough to follow the review so you can imagine what I would make of the book. As a non-musician who cannot even read music notation, I have always been fascinated by the inner secrets of how music works and have gained a (very) imperfect knowledge of them. Over my years of listening I have come across a curious phenomenon and I think the cause of it comes down once again to equal temperament. If I spend a lengthy time listening to string quartets (which is my favourite music genre) and then switch to solo piano music, I find that, for a time, the piano sounds slightly out of key. I realise that the piano is the instrument that is compromised and that the string quartet is “purer”. However, the effect can be reversed if I switch from piano solo to string quartet. Which is right? And does it matter a damn? Ross W Duffin thinks that music was spoiled in some way but a few minor composers like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven seemed quite happy with the compromise.
I would rather put my trust in Bach and Co. than Mr Duffin, but it is worth mentioning that Tchaikovsky could not bear to listen to string trios because (for him) the piano sounded out of tune with the strings.
However, it didn’t stop him writing three fine piano concertos.
As it is New Year’s Eve, I have forgotten what point I intended to make. I know there was an extensive thread on this subject a few months ago but I got lost in it!
Perhaps Peter could throw some light on this. In piano music are we actually listening to music off-key in certain keys? Or is it just a matter of certain keys sounding dull? Or does it matter?
Anyway, Happy New Year to All!
Michael
I found it difficult enough to follow the review so you can imagine what I would make of the book. As a non-musician who cannot even read music notation, I have always been fascinated by the inner secrets of how music works and have gained a (very) imperfect knowledge of them. Over my years of listening I have come across a curious phenomenon and I think the cause of it comes down once again to equal temperament. If I spend a lengthy time listening to string quartets (which is my favourite music genre) and then switch to solo piano music, I find that, for a time, the piano sounds slightly out of key. I realise that the piano is the instrument that is compromised and that the string quartet is “purer”. However, the effect can be reversed if I switch from piano solo to string quartet. Which is right? And does it matter a damn? Ross W Duffin thinks that music was spoiled in some way but a few minor composers like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven seemed quite happy with the compromise.
I would rather put my trust in Bach and Co. than Mr Duffin, but it is worth mentioning that Tchaikovsky could not bear to listen to string trios because (for him) the piano sounded out of tune with the strings.
However, it didn’t stop him writing three fine piano concertos.
As it is New Year’s Eve, I have forgotten what point I intended to make. I know there was an extensive thread on this subject a few months ago but I got lost in it!
Perhaps Peter could throw some light on this. In piano music are we actually listening to music off-key in certain keys? Or is it just a matter of certain keys sounding dull? Or does it matter?
Anyway, Happy New Year to All!
Michael
Comment