Klarinet Archive - Posting 000856.txt from 2002/04

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Tuning
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 15:57:54 -0400

Dear Dr. Lacy,

You bring up important points. What I had in mind was a band
concert in the sun, in the park, in August when the
temperature is 98 degrees.
Whether to tune to the piano or bells, or other fixed pitch
instruments that go in opposite directions, is relative to
their degree of participation. If it is a piano concerto being
performed, then it behooves all wind players to match that
instrument. If, on the other hand, bells are used for a minor
moment of the total ensemble's output, I maintain my position.

When playing with strings in extreme heat, don't worry,
they'll somehow manage to meet the pitch of hot wind
instruments and up the ante from there :-).

Knowing what instruments go which way when things heat up is
very important. Doing the best under such extreme
circumstances requires the best efforts of all and the skill
to be VERY flexible.

Lacy, Edwin wrote:

>>When playing in excessive heat, pitch cannot stay at 440.
>>Those who insist on tuning to a tuner or pitch set at 440 are
>>foolish and will create more problems than they solve.
>>
>
> Which instruments are we talking about? As the wind instruments get sharper
> in increasing temperatures, the strings, piano and mallet percussion are
> getting flatter. So, is it "foolish" to try to play in tune with the rest
> of the orchestra?
>
> Ed Lacy
> University of Evansville
>
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