Klarinet Archive - Posting 000807.txt from 1999/03

From: Jennifer Jones <JJONES@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: [kl] Pitch over the years
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 00:07:35 -0500

> Another problem then, and more complex than what frequency to tune to, was the
> tuning system of the scale.

> Mark Gustavson

> Bill Hausmann wrote:

[Snip...]

> > I'm sure it was! Presumeably they would have to acquire a local instrument
> > to perform on if the difference was significant. As an aside, would it
> > even be POSSIBLE to have perfect pitch under those circumstances.

[Snip...]

This also brings up what exactly perfect pitch is. The
identification of specific frequencies named by convention? Since frequencies
of scales, their intervals and tonics aren't fixed (simply look at scale
variations between cultures i.e. china and the occident), what defines "in
tune" for those with perfect pitch. Is it developed by exposure to particular
frequencies early in childhood, or is it a sense of the physical relationship
between tones i.e. the overtone system, a C an octave higher is half the
frequency of the root tone etc.

-Jennifer

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