Re: piano tuning and the 256 Hz middle C

[Jim Diamond <jimd@linfield.edu>]

On Wed, 05 Nov 1997 17:42:22 -0600 brian whatcott 
<inet@intellisys.net> wrote:

> This pleasant narrative prompted me to confirm the pitch agreements:
> 1891 International Pitch A=435
> 1896 New Philharmonic Pitch A=439
> 1925 U.S.A Standard Pitch  A=440
> (Scientific Pitch A=426.67 from c=256, diatonic)
> 1939 London International - adopted U.S.A Standard - A=440
>
> from Starling & Woodall "Physics"
>
>
> brian whatcott <inet@intellisys.net>

Brian,
Thanks for a great set of tuning data. I also seem to 
recall that Toscanini tuned his NBC Orchestra to A=442 Hz, 
with a preference for that sharp sound (maybe this was to 
diminish the pitch deficencies of his singers!). 

Jim Diamond, chair  Chemistry Department  McMinnville, OR 97128
jimd@linfield.edu   Linfield College      (503)-434-2471

"Life without music is not life, and music without life is 
not music."	Leonard Bernstein