Pianotech

With encouragement from Tim Foster's trials I've been continuing adoption of Kirnberger III for my standard concert tuning. The instrument is an 1885 Bechstein typifying the velvet sound that Liszt admired and one can hear the difference of performance that the tuning gives in terms of length of use of the sustain pedal as Beethoven and Chopin specified and which makes also an audible difference to the playing of Liszt. 

Beethoven Tempest & Moonlight sonata - Scarlatti Galuppi Chopin Liszt unequal temperament

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Beethoven Tempest & Moonlight sonata - Scarlatti Galuppi Chopin Liszt unequal temperament 00:00 Introduction - Concert at Hammerwood Park with historical pianos and tuning. View this on YouTube >

 

The Liszt Nocturne Impromptu (quick link referenced in the video) can be compared with a recording using Kellner on a Steinway B Chopin Nocturne Op48 No.1 in Kellner & Kirnberger III unequal temperament, Liszt: piano resonance

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Chopin Nocturne Op48 No.1 in Kellner & Kirnberger III unequal temperament, Liszt: piano resonance Chopin Nocturne Op48 No.1 comparing two 5th comma unequal temperaments modified for the piano 00:00 Modified Kellner: Chopin Nocturne on Steinway Model B 02:47 Liszt and other fragments demonstrating resonance 09:27 Modified Kirnberger III: Chopin Nocturne on vintage Bechstein Model A 11:50 Other fragments demonstrating resonance View this on YouTube >

Best wishes

David P

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David Pinnegar BSc ARCS
Hammerwood Park, East Grinstead, Sussex, UK
+44 1342 850594
"High Definition" Tuning
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At last month's chapter meeting, I presented on unequal temperaments. One of the most pervasive questions I receive about them in general is, "can you play in every key?" For this reason, I demonstrated Kirnberger III, probably the "spiciest" temperament I could use without any portion being "unusable." I then primarily demonstrated pieces in the "most remote" keys and everyone was really surprised that not only were these keys usable, but they were incredibly beautiful. Of course, many other keys are purer than ET is able to produce.

Having multiple pure fifths has an astounding reinforcing effect and allows for greater sustain (including swell), clarity and even volume. One of my favorite features to demonstrate is a "controlled vibrato" I'm able to get on 17ths of the wider thirds (e.g. Db 3 and F5). With careful weight distribution between both hands, I can play F5 either sounding pure or having a vibrato (beating) effect. 

David was immensely helpful in showing me what was possible in an unequal temperament and the pitfalls that standard ETD parameters tend to produce, and I've developed some modifications that suit my own personal tuning goals. 

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Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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Original Message:
Sent: 10/20/2024 9:42:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: RE: Kirnberger III as a workable concert tuning. Beethoven Tempest, Moonlight, Chopin and Liszt

At last month's chapter meeting, I presented on unequal temperaments. One of the most pervasive questions I receive about them in general is, "can you play in every key?" For this reason, I demonstrated Kirnberger III, probably the "spiciest" temperament I could use without any portion being "unusable." I then primarily demonstrated pieces in the "most remote" keys and everyone was really surprised that not only were these keys usable, but they were incredibly beautiful. Of course, many other keys are purer than ET is able to produce.

Having multiple pure fifths has an astounding reinforcing effect and allows for greater sustain (including swell), clarity and even volume. One of my favorite features to demonstrate is a "controlled vibrato" I'm able to get on 17ths of the wider thirds (e.g. Db 3 and F5). With careful weight distribution between both hands, I can play F5 either sounding pure or having a vibrato (beating) effect. 

David was immensely helpful in showing me what was possible in an unequal temperament and the pitfalls that standard ETD parameters tend to produce, and I've developed some modifications that suit my own personal tuning goals. 

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Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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