Tuning percussion instruments to A = 445

someguy6 · 05-03-2007, 05:21 PM

I've read a number of posts indicating that some symphonies tune to A=445 to make the strings sound brighter. Does this mean that pianos, harps, etc. are tuned to A = 445? What about marimbas, etc? Are special versions of the non-tunable percusion instruments purchased at the higher pitch?

Just curious.

thanks
rob

Manny Laureano · 05-03-2007, 05:33 PM

I have never heard of an American orchestra that tunes that high. We play at 440 by contract. Yes, you'd have to tune the pianos but I would imagine a percussion instrument would be a special order.

I don't think singers would be very happy with an arrangement like that.

ML

trumpetera · 05-03-2007, 06:10 PM

Hi!

At he Gothenburg Opera (as well as in many other swedish/european orchestras) we tune to A=442. (at least BEFORE the violins play anything soft in the high register, after that-who knows, 445-450!!! ;) )

The mallet instruments used in our orchestra is tuned to A=442.

Cheers!

trumpetera

Vulgano Brother · 05-03-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manny Laureano

II don't think singers would be very happy with an arrangement like that.

I'll be more than happy to push my slide in if that's what it takes!

A small price to pay.

trumpetera · 05-03-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulgano Brother

I'll be more than happy to push my slide in if that's what it takes!

A small price to pay.

Keep'em on their toes!!

loudog · 05-03-2007, 06:33 PM

It's true...but I think most chimes and bells are tuned to A442...to help with the shimmer. It's kind of funny, but they do it on purpose...just a tick higher than the rest of the orchestra (or band). I once asked a percussionist friend of mine why they did that, and he gave me a HUGE explanation on why. I can't remember it though... :)

05-03-2007, 05:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
someguy6 New Friend Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 32	Tuning percussion instruments to A = 445 I've read a number of posts indicating that some symphonies tune to A=445 to make the strings sound brighter. Does this mean that pianos, harps, etc. are tuned to A = 445? What about marimbas, etc? Are special versions of the non-tunable percusion instruments purchased at the higher pitch? Just curious. thanks rob

05-03-2007, 05:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Manny Laureano Utimate User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 5,989	Re: Tuning percussion instruments to A = 445 I have never heard of an American orchestra that tunes that high. We play at 440 by contract. Yes, you'd have to tune the pianos but I would imagine a percussion instrument would be a special order. I don't think singers would be very happy with an arrangement like that. ML

05-03-2007, 06:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
trumpetera Pianissimo User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden Posts: 83	Re: Tuning percussion instruments to A = 445 Hi! At he Gothenburg Opera (as well as in many other swedish/european orchestras) we tune to A=442. (at least BEFORE the violins play anything soft in the high register, after that-who knows, 445-450!!! ;) ) The mallet instruments used in our orchestra is tuned to A=442. Cheers! trumpetera
	__________________ Co-principal trumpet Gothenburg Opera Orchestra Principal trumpet Stockholm Baroque orchestra www.opera.se www.stockholmsbarockorkester.nu

05-03-2007, 06:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
loudog Pianissimo User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Brand: Bach, Blackburn Posts: 150	Re: Tuning percussion instruments to A = 445 It's true...but I think most chimes and bells are tuned to A442...to help with the shimmer. It's kind of funny, but they do it on purpose...just a tick higher than the rest of the orchestra (or band). I once asked a percussionist friend of mine why they did that, and he gave me a HUGE explanation on why. I can't remember it though... :)
	__________________ Louie Eckhardt, MM Freelance Trumpeter Performance and Instruction http://www.LouieEckhardt.com

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