When is just intonation more appropriate than 12-tone equal temperament?
When is Just Intonation More Appropriate than 12-Tone Equal Temperament?
Music is a diverse and vibrant art form that encompasses a wide range of styles, genres, and performance practices. One aspect that greatly affects the musical experience is tuning, the system by which pitches are organized and related to one another. Two prominent tuning systems used in Western music are Just Intonation and 12-Tone Equal Temperament. While both have their merits, there are specific contexts in which Just Intonation proves to be more appropriate than 12-Tone Equal Temperament.
Just Intonation: A Natural and Harmonically Rich Sound
Just Intonation is a tuning system that finds its roots in the natural harmonies found in the physical properties of sound. In Just Intonation, intervals are tuned to simple ratios of frequencies, resulting in pure and resonant harmonies. This tuning system is often used by ensembles such as choral or orchestra works, where players match pitch with each other “by ear.” Just Intonation allows for more natural and harmonically rich sounds, creating a sense of depth and complexity in the music.
Just Intonation is particularly suitable for harmonies and chords. By tuning intervals to simple ratios like 3:2 for a perfect fifth or 5:4 for a major third, Just Intonation creates smooth and consonant intervals. This makes it a favored choice in genres such as classical, blues, and folk music, where harmonies play a central role in creating the desired emotional impact.
12-Tone Equal Temperament: Versatility and Modulation
In contrast to Just Intonation, 12-Tone Equal Temperament is a compromise tuning scheme that provides versatility and ease of modulation between different keys. It is commonly used in keyboard instruments like the piano, where fixed pitches are required. In 12-Tone Equal Temperament, the octave is divided into 12 equal semitones, allowing for equal spacing between each pitch. This uniformity enables seamless modulation between different keys and facilitates the exploration of various tonalities.
Equal temperament is more appropriate for music that focuses on melodies and single notes. Genres such as jazz and fiddle tunes, which emphasize melodic improvisation, often employ 12-Tone Equal Temperament. The consistent and uniform pitch across all keys provided by this tuning system allows for easy navigation and expression within the chosen tonal framework.
Challenges of Just Intonation and Instrumental Considerations
While Just Intonation offers unique advantages in terms of harmonies and rich sound, it can present challenges, particularly on instruments that have fixed pitches. Instruments like pianos or guitars are tuned in a fixed manner, making it difficult to achieve the precise intervals required for Just Intonation. However, certain instruments, such as violins, woodwinds, and brass, have the ability to adjust their pitch in real-time. This flexibility makes it easier to play in Just Intonation and explains why these instruments are often associated with ensembles that use this tuning system.
Conclusion
Both Just Intonation and 12-Tone Equal Temperament have their place in the world of music. Just Intonation offers a natural and harmonically rich sound ideal for ensembles and genres that rely heavily on harmonies and chords. On the other hand, 12-Tone Equal Temperament provides versatility and ease of modulation, making it suitable for music focused on melodies and single notes. Choosing between these two tuning systems depends on the musical context, the desired sound aesthetic, and the capabilities of the instruments being utilized.
Sources:
- https://pages.mtu.edu/~suits/scales.html
- https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/108043/when-is-just-intonation-more-appropriate-than-12-tone-equal-temperament
- https://hotrodharmonicas.com/equal-temperament-vs-just-intonation-war-of-the-musical-worlds/
FAQs
When is Just Intonation More Appropriate than 12-Tone Equal Temperament?
What is Just Intonation and 12-Tone Equal Temperament?
Just Intonation is a tuning system based on simple frequency ratios, resulting in harmonically rich and natural sounds. 12-Tone Equal Temperament is a compromise tuning system that divides the octave into 12 equal semitones, allowing for easy modulation between keys.
In what contexts is Just Intonation commonly used?
Just Intonation is often used in ensembles such as choral or orchestra works, where players match pitch with each other “by ear.” It is favored in genres like classical, blues, and folk music, where harmonies and chords play a central role.
When is 12-Tone Equal Temperament more appropriate?
12-Tone Equal Temperament is more suitable for music that focuses on melodies and single notes, such as jazz and fiddle tunes. It provides a consistent and uniform pitch across all keys, facilitating modulation and exploration of different tonalities.
How do the intervals differ in Just Intonation and 12-Tone Equal Temperament?
In Just Intonation, intervals are tuned to simple ratios of frequencies, such as 3:2 for a perfect fifth or 5:4 for a major third, resulting in pure and resonant harmonies. In 12-Tone Equal Temperament, the intervals are evenly divided, allowing for equal spacing between each pitch.
What are the challenges of achieving Just Intonation on certain instruments?
Instruments with fixed pitches, such as pianos or guitars, present challenges in achieving precise intervals required for Just Intonation. However, instruments like violins, woodwinds, and brass can adjust their pitch in real-time, making it easier to play in Just Intonation.
Can Just Intonation and 12-Tone Equal Temperament be used together?
Yes, it is possible to combine elements of Just Intonation and 12-Tone Equal Temperament. Some musicians may use Just Intonation for specific passages or chords within a piece while relying on 12-Tone Equal Temperament for other parts.
Are there historical examples of Just Intonation in music?
Yes, Just Intonation has been used throughout history in various musical traditions. For example, early vocal music, such as Gregorian chant, often employed Just Intonation principles to achieve harmonic purity.
Can electronic instruments and synthesizers utilize Just Intonation?
Yes, electronic instruments and synthesizers have the flexibility to produce Just Intonation intervals. This allows musicians and composers to explore and experiment with different tuning systems beyond 12-Tone Equal Temperament.