Society of Arts Pitch

Irish Flute
1

Hi all

When I was producing my web article some years back on the Rise and Fall of English Pitch, I was puzzled by references to “Society of Arts Pitch”. Finally tracked down an interesting (well to some!) period article which explains all, and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what thinking on pitch was going on in England in the 1860’s - well into the High Pitch era. You can find it at:

http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/Society%20of%20Arts%20Pitch.htm

It even tells us which side of the debate our heros at Rudall, Rose and Carte came down on.

Terry

2

Thank you! Thank you!

3

My head hurts, otherwise a great article!

It does make me wonder about the folk instruments that were not made to the highest standards.

So that the C and A of 1859 are identical with the D flat and B flat of 1840, the pitch having risen, in less than twenty years, a semitone.

Considering that most folk instruments were not a concert instrument and records were not meticulously kept (I think), I wonder if these changes affected them in the same way.

4

Thanx Terry. Fascinating read.