Considering Tuning: From Bach to 21st Century Trends

This thesis is an exploration of instrumental tuning trends from Bach to 21st Century, considering different areas of musicological and acoustical studies. While the introduction brings us in a tuning continuum with brief explanations from the origins, the first chapter details the controversial acoustic theories of Hermann Helmholtz and Bernhard Riemann over various tuning temperaments. Considering baroque temperaments having a contoured profile in between all historical tunings, the present work builds the special interest for the most influential schemata, which impacted classic and contemporary tunings. The second chapter makes a case for Werckmeisters well-tempered tunings and the mathematical approaches of historical temperaments during Bachs time. The third chapter details the development of the equal tempered tuning and the evolution from the meantone to classic or equal temperament I plan to have a closer look into geometrical and mechanical approximations that led to equal divisions. The fourth chapter explores the immense spectrum of micro tunings and digital technologies. At this point I want to underline the rapid ascension of digital technologies emphasizing the latest discoveries of sound emulation methods and sample image engendering, drawing the line to inferring from evidence and reasoning how the temperaments of the future might develop.

This thesis is an exploration of instrumental tuning trends from Bach to 21st Century, considering different areas of musicological and acoustical studies. While the introduction brings us in a tuning continuum with brief explanations from the origins, the first chapter details the controversial acoustic theories of Hermann Helmholtz and Bernhard Riemann over various tuning temperaments. Considering baroque temperaments having a contoured profile in between all historical tunings, the present work builds the special interest for the most influential schemata, which impacted classic and contemporary tunings. The second chapter makes a case for Werckmeisters well-tempered tunings and the mathematical approaches of historical temperaments during Bachs time. The third chapter details the development of the equal tempered tuning and the evolution from the meantone to classic or equal temperament I plan to have a closer look into geometrical and mechanical approximations that led to equal divisions. The fourth chapter explores the immense spectrum of micro tunings and digital technologies. At this point I want to underline the rapid ascension of digital technologies emphasizing the latest discoveries of sound emulation methods and sample image engendering, drawing the line to inferring from evidence and reasoning how the temperaments of the future might develop.