Re: Period vs Modern instruments?

Jerry Kohl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> 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.)

And there was I thinking that bugles are out of tune because they're
played badly! Thanks for the correction. It's always surprised me that
lower string players use harmonics as an aid to tuning their strings;
quite often the harmonics sound out of tune to me. The flute harmonics
in Rite of Spring are not quite in tune either, are they?

Peter is way-off if he thinks that the chromatic horn plays "naturally"
in pure intonation", though. Put down two valves and you're in
compromise country.

MJHaslam