Treatise on Harpsichord Tuning

A translation of Jean Denis's Treatise on Harpsichord Tuning (1643/50), with notes and an introduction.

Jean Denis (Author), Vincent J. Panetta (Edited and translated by)

9780521314022, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 9 April 1987

136 pages
22.8 x 15.4 x 1 cm, 0.23 kg

The Treatise on Harpsichord Tuning was the first French document to discuss keyboard performance practice in any detail. Jean Denis was both a harpsichord builder of renown and the organist of a prominent Parisian church, and is thus an authority worthy of careful study. The treatise addresses numerous matters of interest to both scholars and performers, including temperament, ornamentation, fugue, and the use of the organ in liturgical practice. Also included in the treatise are a keyboard prelude designed to reveal errors in tuning, and two delightful anecdotes attesting to the power of music. The forthright character of Denis's writing lends a unique and distinctly enjoyable tone to the work.

Acknowledgments
Translator's introduction
1. Jean Denis and the Traité de l'accord de l'espinette
2. Jean Denis and meantone temperament
3. The eight tons of the church
4. Notes on the translation
The translation.

Subject Areas: Keyboard instruments [AVRG]