Re: Period vs Modern instruments?

Michael Haslam wrote:

> Peter T. Daniels <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> > Same as "Taps" on trumpet vs. bugle. Pure intonation, not compromised to
> > comport with a keyboard instrument or oboe or some such.
>
> What is the difference between the oboe and the horn wrt subtle
> adjustment of the tuning of individual notes? The harmonic series is the
> same whether played on a bugle, trumpet or alphorn.

With respect, Michael, you are confusing two different things. The "harmonic
series" is defined independent of any instrument which may or may not be able to
play it (the frequencies of its component tones are related by the consecutive
whole-number ratios 1:2:3:4:5 etc.) and, indeed as you say, this is always "the
same". However, the *overtones* on each of the three instruments you name are not
the same. Cylindrical-bore brass instruments tend to produce a harmonic overtone
series as described (though of course no actual instrument is dead cylindrical for
a host of reasons, and even if such an instrument were to be built, there are
complications regarding end-effect, amongst other things). According to the degree
of conicity, the overtones of a conical-bore instruments progressively deviate from
the harmonic series, and both the bugle and the alphorn are notoriously "out of
tune", though skilled players can force some of the pitches into conformity with
the harmonic series. (Peter is also on somewhat shaky ground for the same reason.)

--
Jerry Kohl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
"Légpárnás hajóm tele van angolnákkal."