Also of note is the number 108, used in many spiritual traditions as a unifying number. In the middle, you will see that A=432 Hz. Multiples of 2 and 3 forms the basis of the chart, and the left column shows all the multiples of 2 as the note C. The chart below shows how 432 Hz tuning is derived based on Pythagorean harmonic ratios. It is a testament to their unique musical and healing traditions that are affecting us more and more today. I can’t help but notice how the music of India and the rest of Asia were left out of this discussion entirely. It seems the scientific experiments by Scheibler had a lot of influence on this choice as opposed to what tuning may have been more in line with the harmonic ratios and relationships found in nature. It is still not entirely clear why 440 Hz was chosen. Even today, musicians believe that music played in 432 Hz tuning has a better audience response, has a calming effect and sounds more integrated overall. Europe soon followed with its adoption many years after it was first proposed on both continents. Scheibler’s invention called the Tonometer.Īfter much debate, the US adopted 440 Hz as the standard in 1936. In the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries, 432 Hz tuning was challenged by other countries like Germany, the US and Britain who all seemed to be using and experimenting with different tunings. Verdi believed it was a much better tuning for Operatic voices. Hundreds of years later during the classical periods of western music, it was documented that composers like Mozart and Verdi used the 432 Hz tuning. The earliest instruments were flutes and lyres, often used for therapeutic purposes. It is believed, however, that instruments built accordingly to harmonic ratios were used in Egypt and Greece well before this time. Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras (570–495 BC), is often credited with identifying musical harmonic ratios related to scientific pitch and the birth of 432 Hz tuning with his instrument called the monochord. A Brief History of TuningsĪn article by John Stuart Reid called the ‘Concert Pitch Conflict’ provides a comprehensive history of tunings and I reference many of his findings here. There are some audio examples to compare tuning for critical listening and a brief explanation on how to compose in 432 Hz tuning in Logic. Hopefully this will inspire some thoughtful discussions. This article briefly explains the history of tuning and some key points that support 432 Hz as the scientific tuning, by relating it to mathematical relationships, harmonic ratios and frequencies found in nature. Researchers, scientists and musicians are leading a growing movement to prove this tuning is best for heart-centered, therapeutic sound work. The tuning of A = 432 Hz, also used throughout music history, is making quite a comeback these days, especially in the field of sound healing and meditation. In fact, 440 Hz has been the standard for less than a hundred years, a drop in the bucket in terms of music history. The music and audio industry currently uses the A = 440 Hz universal standard pitch tuning around the world. Interested in the viewpoint explaining why 432 Hz doesn't matter? Read this article: Music Theory: 432 Hz Tuning - Separating Fact From Fiction.
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