Temperaments - Physis Piano H1 Reference Manual

Reference Manual – Further Settings

5.2 TEMPERAMENTS

Physis Piano can be tuned with many historical temperaments, stemming from different times and places. To do so, access
the Tuning function under the FUNCTION menu (see par. 11.6, User Manual). The available temperaments are described
below:
−
Equal: the equal temperament is based on twelve fifths, all with the same amplitude. A twelfth of Pythagorean comma
is subtracted to each of them. It was stated in the XIX century, by the increasing use of chromatic procedures and
harmonic complexity of the music composed in this era.
−
Pythagorean: Based on eleven pure Pythagorean fifths and a wolf fifth on G#. This tuning can be used to play
monodies, and music that does not use thirds in general. Best suited for educational ends or sheer curiosity.
−
Vallotti: Based on six fifths, each decreased by 1/6 of Pythagorean comma. The others are pure fifths.The major
thirds on Eb–B, Bb–E, F–A are equivalent, as the ones on C, G and D. Thirds on F#, C# and G# are Pythagorean
instead.
−
Meantone: This tuning is the prototype of all temperaments based on fifths reduced by ¼ of syntonic comma. This
generates eight pure major thirds: Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A, E. However, the other thirds are unsuable (B, F#, G#). The
fifths are defined as meantone fifths: they are shorter than pure fifths but still sound pleasant. Only one, G#, fills all the
gap created by 11 others and becomes a wolf fifth. Tonalities with little alterations sound very pleasant. Well
characterised chromatic scale. Move the wolf on C# to use the G# key as Ab.
−
Werckmeister: Based on four fifths, each reduced by ¼ Pythagorean comma – the others are pure. Creates three
Pythagorean major thirds on: C#, F#, G#. As the number of alteration in the piece performed increases, so does the
harmonic tension.
−
Kirnberger: Based on two fifths, reduced by half syntonic comma, and one fifth reduced by a skisma. There are three
pure majors: C, G, D. Therefore, the major triads on C and G are pure. Same goes with the minor triads, on E and B.
The four major thirds on C#, G#, Eb, Bb are Pythagorean. The coexistence of pure and tempered chords gives a
peculiar character to this tuning.
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