Here is a direct solution to this problem that I have found very useful: tune the violin E strings to the harmonic series of the tanpura (and viola and cello C strings) specifically the 5 th and 10 th harmonics. The open violin E string is gratingly sharp to the harmonic series of a tanpura tuned to C and G This is because equal temperament results in mathematical ratios which are at odds with the simple proportions of the harmonic series. The complaint is so often “ I find it so hard to play with western players as they get so sharp when they go higher”. One of the difficulties Indian musicians find working with their Western colleagues is tuning in the upper register, especially when working with strings when the violin E string comes into play. The next section is a little technical, and aimed at string players, but it also illustrates the problem for any interested musician. My hope is that in bringing together these musicians with their Western colleagues in a way which enables this purity of pitch to be maintained, we are helping to nurture and propagate this ancient tradition of mathematically pure tuning. The rise of equal temperament in the west has unfortunately clouded this pristine purity of pitch, but luckily the finest Indian Classical musicians are keeping the tradition alive. In the past Indian music was always tuned in just intonation in relation to this drone. Indian musicians tune the swaras to both the open strings and harmonics of the tanpura. This is why Indian music is tuned in accordance with the harmonic series i.e. In Indian music the harmonic series represents the ascent from the earth-bound to the transcendent. The tanpura is extremely resonant, with very clear harmonics.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |