Description
Book SynopsisProviding an introduction to the relation of the notes of the musical scale with respect to tuning keyboard instruments, this book presents explanations of theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. It also includes the basis for temperament, description of selected temperaments, and tuning instructions.
Trade Review...an excellent overview to the subject of musical temperament....This is a great book for any keyboard performer to investigate....This useful volume is highly recommended to all musicians and should be included in the music division of colleges and universities libraries. * American Reference Books Annual *
...a convenient introduction in English to this important topic....a good survey of musical temperament. * The American Organist *
The writing is practical, and no space is wasted on mere numerology....I have checked much of Donahue's arithmetic and not found any errors....No one who wants to understand temperaments should be in any doubt about how much systematic work is required, but Thomas Donahue's book goes a long way towards making it as easy and rewarding as it can be. * The British Clavichord Society Newsletter *
Donahue, a musician and instrument builder, presents a handbook for keyboardists who tune their own instruments, such as the harpsichord, clavichord, and fortepiano. He explains the tuning process and related issues, historical factors, and theories including frequency, ratios, cents, fixed intonation, and the harmonic series. Sixteen temperaments are discussed and compared in detail. The second half of the book is a reference for specifics such as near-equal temperament, derivation of the cent equation, and has temperament data, spreadsheets, and instructions in musical notation. * Reference and Research Book News *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Foreword Part 2 Preface Part 3 Part 1: Main Material Chapter 4 1. The Basis for Temperament Chapter 5 2. Selected Temperaments Chapter 6 3. Musical Aspects Chapter 7 4. Generating Tuning Instructions Chapter 8 5. The Tuning Process Chapter 9 6. Instructions for Setting Selected Temperaments Chapter 10 7. A Historical Overview Part 11 Part 2: Supplementary Material Chapter 12 8. Starting Notes, Pitch References, and Transposition Chapter 13 9. Theoretical and Equal-Beating Versions Chapter 14 10. Near-Equal Temperament Chapter 15 11. Derivation of the Cent Equation Chapter 16 12. Temperament Data Chapter 17 13. Temperament Spreadsheets Chapter 18 14. Instructions in Musical Notation Part 19 Glossary Part 20 Bibliography Part 21 Index Part 22 About the Author
