N i g e l wrote:RichardT wrote: it’s quite common for musicians to give keys certain qualities. Before equal temperament, each key had slightly different intervals
no no no ! Equal temperment is the bodge.
Yup, it is but, RichardT, each key had slightly different intervals only when played on an instrument tuned with just intonation in a single key. Not sure I'm using the right words here*
The natural doh ray me ... scale exists for each of the base notes and are harmonious to the ear.
Yup, it does, it's also called 'just intonation'
The equal temperment scale is based on mathmatics that minimise the frequency error for each of the scales when they are compressed into 12 notes/frequencies.
Just intonation has mathematical intervals too but based on ratios of the root note which results in the semitones not being exactly the same.
[fretless instrument & gypsie jazz players stop laughing now !!!! ]
(stifles a giggle behind hand)
each of the scales therefore has differnt errors, giving different emotions & qualities.
In just intonation all the scales are identical,
provided they are played on an instrument tuned for that specific scale, a melody in Bb will sound awful on an instrument tuned with just intonation in C and vice versa.
Modern synthesizers allow for the different rootnote/scales & its on my list of things todo once ive mastered the bigger picture of choosing the right notes, playing them in the right order & at the right time.
True,
in the mean time [normal times] listen to the Academy of ancient music, playing authentic scales on authentic instruments.
Hmmm
"If it isnt baroque dont fix it "
But it was so somebody did
* An instrument tuned in C Just will sound perfectly in tune when playing in C but more out of tune the further around the circle of fifths you move keys. An instrument tuned to an F#/Gb scale (C still = C but the scale intervals are calculated starting from G#) will be perfectly on tune playing in G# but 'orrible playing in C.