Abstract

Today many definitions are easily retrievable by means of no more than just a few mouse clicks. But “simple” definitions such as those of the frequencies which determine the identities of musical tones are far from straightforward, even when considered only within the realm of Western music. Tuning of musical instruments has occupied the minds of scientists and musicians at least since Pythagoras of Samos, and yet misconceptions are still not uncommon amongst musicians and audiences alike. Catering both to musicians and non-musicians, this talk will aim to explain the fundamental difficulties in tuning as well as the different ways these difficulties are overcome accompanied by hands-on demonstrations using a harpsichord.