[Dixielandjazz] A = 440

[Queetonians Constellations]

Yes, I remember reading a few years ago that A=440Hz wasn't actually  
standardized until the 20th century. I wish I could cite the source.  
The normal middle A before that was usually somewhere around 442 or  
443 point something-or-other Hz. I think 440Hz was standardized in  
the U.S. in order to make it easier to quantify musical frequencies.  
So it makes sense that older world symphonic organizations in Europe  
would still be tuning traditionally a little bit higher than 440Hz.

Jara


On Nov 6, 2005, at 8:20 AM, Mike C. wrote:

> Most European Orchestras tune to a higher frequency I believe. I think
> it's something like A=441 or 442 but I could be wrong.
>
> MIke
>
>
>
>> "Bob Romans" <cellblk7 at comcast.net>
>>
>>> I think A 440 is the A above middle C, isn't it? 440 VPS...tuning  
>>> note
>>> for
>>> MOST symphonies around the world?
>>
>> Yes, A above middle C on the piano is 440, or at least it should  
>> be in the
>> USA. Whether or not MOST symphonies around the world tune to it is
>> questionable. Perhaps the oboe players could let us know?
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Steve
>>
>>
>>
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