Klarinet Archive - Posting 001364.txt from 1999/05

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Even Partials (was Bradley's Question)
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 18:39:42 -0400

On Sat, 29 May 1999, Dee D. Hays wrote:
> As far as the altissimo A, that's easy. That partial is so flat compared to
> the even tempered scale that you do indeed have to play what ought to give
> you the next higher note. This even works out mathematically. Calculate
> the frequency of A based on partials only starting at the fundamental
> chalumeau note and you get a value that would result from a Pythagorean
> scale approach. This is quite flat compared to the even tempered scale. So
> clarinetists (most of whom only worry about playing in tune rather than the
> mathematics of the situation) long ago found a fingering that gives a
> relatively in tune note. It is this very characteristic of the difference
> between the mathematics of scales developed using partials versus the even
> tempered scale that makes the design of wind instruments a compromise. This
> is why some fingerings in the altissimo give better tuning and tone on a
> note in comparison to others.

Dee,

Thanks for this clarification. This is what I was taught also, and I hope
Jim Pyne will discuss this aspect of his research more thoroughly.

Thanks for posting.
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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