22nd Annual Student Research Conference
An Investigation of Tuning Concepts and Application of Various Intonation Methods to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata
Scott D. Farquhar
Dr. Charles Gran and Dr. Robert Martin, Faculty Mentors
The goal of this project is to compare and contrast different methods of tuning. These will be investigated in both a musical and scientific manner. This particular presentation will apply these various methods to an instrument inherently limited to equal temperament tuning, the piano, via Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Alternative means of intonation that will be discussed and/or demonstrated include just intonation, Pythagorean tuning, and mean-tone intonation; the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata will be adjusted into all of these systems respectively via midi. Audience members will have the opportunity to listen and contemplate these methods' differences in harmonic resonance and musical effectiveness as well as its potential application to instrument or voice based ensembles.
Keywords: Music, tuning, intonation, Beethoven, piano, computer, technology, sound
Topic(s):Music
Computer Science
Physics
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 1-1
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 8:15