MUIC & ACOUTIC – CALE, TUNING & TEMPERAMENT CALCULATOR
Well Temperament Comparison
A precise tool.
What is the Well Temperament Comparison & How does it work?
Well temperament is a system of tuning in which the twelve notes of the Western chromatic scale are not tuned to pure intervals, but rather to a series of slightly tempered intervals that allow for more consonant harmony when modulating between keys.
Werckmeister and Kirnberger were two prominent musicians who developed different well temperament systems in the 18th century. Werckmeister’s system was known for its balance of major and minor thirds, while Kirnberger’s system emphasized the purity of the dominant seventh.
f_{text{new}} = f_{text{old}} times 2^{frac{n}{12}}
fnew = new frequency, fold = old frequency, n = number of semitones
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is well temperament in music?
Well temperament is a tuning system where twelve notes are slightly tempered to allow harmonious modulation between keys.
Who were Werckmeister and Kirnberger?
Werckmeister and Kirnberger were 18th-century musicians who developed well temperament systems for piano tuning.
What was unique about Werckmeister’s system?
Werckmeister’s system balanced major and minor thirds for more consonant harmony across different keys.
How did Kirnberger’s system differ from Werckmeister’s?
Kirnberger’s system emphasized the purity of certain intervals, particularly in minor scales.
Why was well temperament important in music history?
Well temperament allowed for more flexible and expressive modulation between keys, enriching classical music composition.
What are some examples of composers who benefited from well temperament?
Composers like Bach and Mozart could explore different keys more freely with the help of well temperament systems.
How does well temperament differ from equal temperament?
Well temperament slightly adjusts intervals to sound better in certain keys, while equal temperament divides the octave into twelve equal parts.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.