Tim,
While using a tuning system other than Equal Temperament (or even using ET at a non-standard pitch) is not "prepared piano" per se, it IS piano usage that alters an instrument from its normal state. Yes, it WILL take multiple tunings to achieve stability in the alternative tuning scheme, and to get it back to ET at standard pitch (wish). And the more time allowed BETWEEN those tunings, the better (hours rather than minutes, days rather than hours).
What I have struggled with in scenarios such as yours is dealing with the often inadequate information provided by composers. Cents deviation (presumably, from ET) is more useful than frequencies for the tuner, particularly if an ETD/ETA is utilized. However, in my mind, a tuning system is defined by the actual sound of intervals. (Is there anyone reading this who cannot define what a major third sounds like in the middle of the piano in ET, a sound inextricably bound to the sound of a piano in the minds of most?)
To complicate things further, most of the composers with whom I have dealt are unaware that different pianos are scaled differently, and furthermore, that different tuners stretch in different ways. At the end of the day, all of this has to be taken into account .
At least the deviations from ET indicated by the composer in your case are all LOWER than standard ET pitch...
Don't know if that helps, but there it is.
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-12-2021 07:11
From: Tim Coates
Subject: Detuned Prepared Piano
I have been presented with a situation I am unsure. In my mind it pertains to a prepared piano, but I can't find reference to this type of detuning a piano in the archives. This is not a University or College situation, but a fine concert hall situation. I feel CAUT people would have a better handle on a prepared piano.
The South Dakota Symphony is celebrating it's 100th season throughout this year. They have commissioned a piano piece by Fabular Arcana that has significant detuning in the temperament that obviously translates to the rest of the range of the piano. I have attached a screen shot of the temperament. Needless to say there are several pitches almost a half step lower while others are within usual pitch.
I can do this, but I am concerned about the stability of the the instrument during the change and after. I am sure to create the tuning will take at least 3 tunings and require at least 3-4 tunings to return the piano to usual tuning. My solution is for them to find another piano for this purpose. We have worked hard to make our two concert instruments stable. I am concerned about long term stability after this all done.
I would appreciate thoughts.
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Tim Coates
Sioux Falls SD
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