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Equal or non-equal temperament in a capella SATB singing
1Department of Electronics, University of York, Heslington, York, UK. dh@ohm.york.ac.uk
Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology
|July 7, 2007
Summary
Singers in a cappella quartets prefer non-equal tempered tuning systems, leaning towards just intonation. A second experiment replicated these findings, offering insights for choral conductors.
Area of Science:
- Musicology
- Acoustics
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Instruments with variable pitch control, like the human voice, allow for nuanced intonation.
- Previous research suggested a preference for non-equal tempered tuning in a cappella quartets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate findings on intonation preferences in a second soprano, alto, tenor, bass (SATB) a cappella quartet.
- To investigate the extent to which singers utilize just intonation over equal temperament.
Main Methods:
- Utilized specially composed SATB exercises involving modulations between chords.
- Measured intonation differences relative to just intonation and equal temperament.
- Collected fundamental frequency data using four electrolaryngographs.
Main Results:
- The second quartet also demonstrated a preference for non-equal tempered tuning.
- Singers exhibited tendencies towards just intonation, consistent with the initial experiment.
Conclusions:
- The preference for just intonation in SATB a cappella singing appears to be a replicable phenomenon.
- Findings have practical implications for choral conductors regarding ensemble intonation and tuning practices.
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