Temperament and “Historical” Intonation: An Outline

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The modern piano is tuned to a system known as equal temperament, in which all semitones are equal. This system is convenient because it enables the pianist to play in any key and, to the modern ear at least, in tune. To musicians from the Baroque period, the piano’s intonation would have sounded excruciatingly out of tune! This lesson explains the basics of temperament, what it is, why it is needed and how the modern performer can become comfortable with systems of intonation that existed in the Baroque era, whether the mathematics are understood or not. Topics such as “pure” intonation, meantone, the qualities of individual tonalities, flatter sharps, and sharper flats are discussed and there is an exercise comparing pure intonation with equal temperament. Clear practical guidance is given as to how to explore historical intonation by ear, using Leopold Mozart’s charts on overtones and the mysterious “phantom cellist.”