A History of Performing Pitch

By Bruce Haynes

This is the first complete survey of the historical pitch standards used by musicians during the last four centuries. Written from a practical perspective and addressed to performers it is the first book to attach frequency values to pitch names and describe where, when, and why various historical pitch levels were used. It surveys a period from the 16th century to the present and focuses on Italy, France, Germany, the northern and southern Netherlands, and the Habsburg Lands, following the developments in the design and function of instruments and how they influenced and were influenced by pitch changes.

Chapter 1 List of Illustrations Chapter 2 List of Graphs Chapter 3 Preface Chapter 4 Acknowledgements Chapter 5 Mechanics Chapter 6 Introduction Chapter 7 Notes Chapter 8 1 The Evidence Chapter 9 Notes Chapter 10 2 Pitch before the Instrument Revolution of ca. 1670 Chapter 11 Notes Chapter 12 3 The Instrument Revolution and Pitch Fragmentation 1670-1700 Chapter 13 Notes Chapter 14 4 The General Adoption of A-1, 1700-1730 Chapter 15 Notes Chapter 16 5 Germany, 1700-1730: Cammerton, Chorton, Cornet-Ton Chapter 17 Notes Chapter 18 6 Sebastian Bach and Pitch Chapter 19 Notes Chapter 20 7 1730-1770: A "Diversity of Pitches" Chapter 21 Notes Chapter 22 8 Classical Pitches, 1770-1800 Chapter 23 Notes Chapter 24 9 Early Romantic Pitches, 1800-1830 Chapter 25 Notes Chapter 26 10 Pitch Standards, 1830-2001 Chapter 27 Notes Chapter 28 Graphs Chapter 29 Appendixes Chapter 30 Citations in Original Languages Chapter 31 Bibliography Chapter 32 Index Chapter 33 About the Author