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MMD > Archives > September 2016 > 2016.09.13 > 02Prev  Next


Ampico 65233G "Well Tempered Clavier" Project
By Richard Procter

[ Ref. http://www.mmdigest.com/Archives/Authors/Aut5770.html 

I'm pleased to announce that our recording project, of using a
reproducing piano to provide an a/b illustration of Bach in two
temperaments, is now available at

  http://203.79.107.124/music/two_temperaments_master.zip 

The file includes the master recordings in FLAC format at ultra
fidelity, and totals 100 MB in size.  (Note: the network connection
is relatively slow.)

Alternatively, a smaller CD quality version of 39 MB can be found at

  http://203.79.107.124/music/two_temperaments_16bit.zip 

If your computer does not recognise the FLAC format, the VLC
application will play them:

  https://www.videolan.org/vlc 

For those who prefer to listen without knowing the temperament, the
files are unlabelled; the included "readme" file reveals which is
which.  That said, be warned that the next paragraph hints at this...

Surprisingly, the file size of the recordings differed by almost two
thirds in the FLAC format.  As FLAC uses a lossless compressor, smaller
file sizes indicate a simpler waveform: it's possible the compressor is
providing an objective measure of how in-tune a piece is in different
temperaments!  Or it may just be we didn't account for some difference
between takes.

Still, the effect disappears in our recording of a more modern Debussy
piece[1] only to reappear in an older piece by Mozart[2], both of which
we recorded in the same session as the Bach.  It would be interesting
to investigate this further.

Thanks to everyone who made this possible by donating their equipment,
time and expertise.

Lastly, I'd like to dedicate this work to the memory of David J.C.
MacKay (1967-2016), who was curious about these things.

Best wishes,
Richard Procter

[1] Ampico #68943: Jardins Sous La Pluie - "Estampes" No. 3, by Debussy.
[2] Ampico #66333: Sonata in D Major, K.576 - First Movement, by Mozart.
[3] Ampico #70383: Chopin, Op 22.

(I can also publish these if there is interest.)


(Message sent Tue 13 Sep 2016, 10:23:22 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  65233G, Ampico, Clavier, Project, Tempered, Well

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