Equal temperament

Definition

Equal temperament is a tuning system that divides an octave into 12 equal parts, allowing for the same interval between each note, which makes it possible to play in any key with a consistent sound. This system became increasingly popular during the transition from the Baroque to the Classical style, enabling composers and musicians to explore new harmonic possibilities and key relationships without the limitations of older tuning systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Equal temperament allows musicians to play in all keys without retuning their instruments, which was essential for composers during the Classical period who often wrote pieces in multiple keys.
2. This tuning system supports complex harmonic structures, enabling the use of chromaticism and modulation that were becoming more prominent in music of this era.
3. The shift to equal temperament reflected broader changes in music theory and practice as composers sought greater expressive possibilities beyond the confines of older tuning methods.
4. Before equal temperament gained acceptance, many musicians used meantone temperament, which made certain keys sound very different and limited harmonic exploration.
5. Equal temperament became widely adopted by the late 18th century, influencing the construction of keyboard instruments like pianos, which were designed to accommodate this tuning system.

Review Questions

• How did equal temperament impact the way composers approached key relationships during the transition from Baroque to Classical style?
  • Equal temperament allowed composers to freely explore various key relationships and modulations without being restricted by the limitations of older tuning systems. This freedom led to more adventurous harmonic progressions and greater use of chromaticism, which became defining characteristics of Classical music. As a result, composers could create works that showcased contrasting keys and complex harmonies, reflecting a significant shift in musical expression.
• Compare and contrast equal temperament with just intonation and explain why equal temperament became favored during the Classical period.
  • Equal temperament differs from just intonation in that it divides the octave into 12 equal semitones, allowing for uniformity across all keys. In contrast, just intonation relies on natural harmonic ratios that can sound more consonant but limits key flexibility. The favoring of equal temperament during the Classical period stemmed from its versatility, enabling composers to write intricate works that utilized various keys and harmonic explorations without needing constant retuning.
• Evaluate the significance of equal temperament's adoption in relation to the evolution of Western music from the Baroque to Classical styles.
  • The adoption of equal temperament marked a pivotal point in Western music, as it facilitated an expansion in harmonic language and compositional techniques. By enabling easier modulation and chromaticism, equal temperament contributed significantly to the stylistic developments that characterized Classical music. This shift not only influenced individual compositions but also shaped the broader trajectory of Western music theory and practice, paving the way for later styles like Romanticism that relied on complex harmonic structures.

Related terms

Just Intonation: A tuning system based on the natural harmonic series, where intervals are tuned to whole number ratios, leading to more consonant sounding harmonies but limited flexibility in modulation.

Well-Tempered Tuning: A system that allows for the use of all keys by slightly altering the intervals to make them more usable, bridging the gap between just intonation and equal temperament.

Aural Skills: The ability to identify and reproduce musical elements by ear, which is crucial when transitioning between different tuning systems like equal temperament and just intonation.