2026-11-09

Golden Meantone

 


Golden Meantone is defined to be the linear tuning, with octave period, such that the ratio between the cent measures of the diatonic semitone C-Db and the chromatic semitone C-C# is the Golden Ratio: \begin{equation} \label{golden} \varphi = \frac {\sqrt{5}+1}{2}; \end{equation}   

Please note the abuse of language when using the word «semitone»: in this framework, it doesn't mean half-a-tone as in customary 12-equal division of the octave, however, a diatonic semitone (-5 fifths) + a chromatic one (7 fifths) does equal a tone (2 fifths).

Golden Meantone turns out to be the meantone tuning generated by a 696.214-cent fifth, not too far from 50-equal division of the octave.

Let's prove this fact. Name F the unknown fifth and Ω the gauge of the octave (normally 1200 cents). 

Now, a diatonic semitone  corresponds to -5 fifths plus 3 octaves, whereas a chromatic semitone corresponds to 7 fifths minus 4 octaves, hence, keeping into account definition \eqref{golden}, we have: \begin{equation} \label{ratio} \varphi = \frac{-5F+3Ω}{7F+4Ω}. \end{equation} Solving for F, multiplying both numerator and denominator for 12-7φ, and keeping into account that φ^2 = φ + 1, we get: \begin{equation} \label{solve} F = \frac{4\varphi+3}{7\varphi+5}\Omega = \frac {48\varphi-28\varphi-21\varphi+36-28} {84\varphi-49\varphi-35\varphi+60-49} \Omega = \frac {8-\varphi} {11} \Omega ; \end{equation} putting Ω = 1200 in \eqref{solve}, we eventually get F = 696.214 cents up to three decimal digits. Please note that \eqref{solve} also shows that F is linear in Ω, which is relevant in case ot tempered octave (slightly different from 1200 cents). F is not too far from 50-edo's fifth, which is equal to 696 cents, so that 50-edo approximates Golden Meantone, as far as not too many fifths are used.

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2026-10-24

Claudi Meneghin - MIRROR CANON in 23edo, for Baroque Oboe & Clarinet


We present a two-in-one mirror canon in 23-equal division of the octave, by Claudi Meneghin, for Baroque Oboe & Clarinet.

24-edo notation has been used, in the following inconsistent way: c 0 cih 52.174 cis 104.348 deh 156.522 d 208.696 dih 260.870 dis 313.043 eeh 365.217 e 417.391 eih 469.565 f 521.739 fih 573.913 fis 626.087 geh 678.261 gih 730.435 aes 782.609 aeh 834.783 a 886.957 aih 939.130 bes 991.304 beh 1043.478 b 1095.652 bih 1147.826

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2026-10-16

PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION - LIMOGES, LE MARCHÉ (Golden WT, Fortepiano)

 


We present Mussorgsky's Limoges, le Marché from Pictures at an Exhibition, tuned into the so called «Golden Well Temperament» and played at the Fortepiano. Fortepiano Synthesis: Baroque Instruments Fortepiano + FluidGM Yamaha Grand Piano + Harpischord Zell I-4 at -18 dB. «Golden Well Temperament» («GWT», or «Golden WT») is a 12-note temperament based on the Golden Ratio φ, in that the deviations of consecutive fifths in GWT from 12-edo’s are in ratio ±φ. More precisely, deviations from 700¢ on the circle of fifths are: -1, -φ, -φ^2, -φ^3, φ^2, φ, 1, φ^-1, φ^-2, φ^-1, 1, φ (which, due to the algebraic properties of φ, sum up to 0).. The cent figures of GWT are: 95.764 197.382 296.764 390.528 498.382 594.764 699.000 796.382 894.764 997.382 1093.146 1200.000.


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2026-10-04

PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION - GNOMUS (E19, Harpsichord Zell)


We present «Gnomus» from Mussorgsky's «Pictures at an Exhibition», arranged for Harpsichord and tuned into 19-equal division of the octave (very close to 1/3-comma meantone).


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2026-08-08

[TUNING COMPARISON] a fragment from PARADIES' TOCCATA, 12-edo vs Meantone vs Just Intonation


 A short tuning comparison among 12-equal temperament, quarter-comma meantone, Vicentino's adaptive just intonation, by means of a fragment from Paradies' Toccata, tuned into:

1) 12edo (yellow screen); 2) Quarter-comma meantone (green screen); 3) Vicentino's adaptive just intonation (blue screen). Vicentino's adaptive just intonation is implemented by setting up two chains of quarter-comma fifths at a distance of a quarter-comma; this allows to tune the overall piece into quarter-comma meantone and to raise fifths and minor thirds by a quarter comma, which turns them into the corresponding just intervals. ⦿ More 12-edo vs Meantone vs Just Intonation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcF2CIG93tI&list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0CRLFDVovKs7oTKRL51IR_ ⦿ More Tuning Comparisons: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0CeBpZLMBbjouT9X-xfbXW

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2026-07-16

Tuning Comparison: E12, E17, E19, E29, E31, E41, E43, E53, E55 - fragment from Grieg's Morning Mood


We propose a tuning comparison by means of a fragment from Grieg's Morning Mood, featuring the following tuning systems: • 12edo (close to Pythagorean or to 1/11-comma meantone) • 17edo (close to 2-schisma Supra-Pythagorean) • 19edo (close to 1/3-comma meantone) • 29edo (close to 3/4-schisma Supra-Pythagorean) • 31edo (close to 1/4-comma meantone) • 41edo (close to 1/4-schisma Supra-Pythagorean) • 43edo (close to 1/5-comma meantone) • 53edo (very close to Pythagorean) • 55edo (close to 1/6-comma meantone) ⦿ More Tuning Comparisons: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0CeBpZLMBbjouT9X-xfbXW

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2026-05-15

BACH - RICERCAR a 3 from the Musical Offering - Rameau's Tempérament Ordinaire

 




We present Bach's Ricercar a 3 from the Musical Offering, tuned into Rameau's Tempérament Ordinaire, a circulating temperament generated by 7 meantone fifths (as large as 696.578 ¢), 3 pythagorean fifths (as large as 701.955 ¢), and 2 sharp fifths (as large as 709.045 ¢), then rounded to integer values.
The cent figures of the tuning (with C set to 0) are:
0 ¢
87 ¢
193 ¢
298 ¢
386 ¢
503 ¢
585 ¢
697 ¢
789 ¢
890 ¢
1007 ¢
1083 ¢
Midi rendition, soundfont is «Harpischord Zell». Tuned by Huygens Fokker Scala, implemented by SynthFont.

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2026-04-17

BACH - RICERCAR a 3 from the Musical Offering, tuned into E53


We present Bach's Ricercar a 3 from the Musical Offering, tuned into 53-equal division of the octave, very close to Pythagorean.

Midi rendition; soundfont is «Harpischord Zell». Tuned by Huygens Fokker Scala, implemented by SynthFont. ⦿ More Ricercar a 3: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz1BTgOx6r8sOUawQpNqV86_ ⦿ More 53-edo videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz00YKEYx98frli5JE5orfyk ⦿ More Bach's Musical Offering: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0toNK4hUr1ULAOBhvcsSMs


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2026-03-02

BACH - CHACONNE BWV 1004 - Claudi Meneghin, Guitar



We present Bach's CHACONNE from Partita for solo violin no. 2 in D minor BWV 1004 (transposed into G, and played at baroque pitch), arranged and played at the guitar by Claudi Meneghin.



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2026-02-23

BACH - RICERCAR a 3 from the Musical Offering, tuned into E55



We present Bach's Ricercar a 3 from the Musical Offering, tuned into 55-edo, a tuning possibly used by Mozart. 55-edo is close to 1/6-comma meantone. Midi rendition, soundfont is «Harpsichord Zell». Tuned by Huygens Fokker Scala, implemented by SynthFont.
⦿ More Ricercar a 3: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz1BTgOx6r8sOUawQpNqV86_ ⦿ More 55-edo videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz1vGLCUHZDzcPqYNten5p_R ⦿ More Bach's Musical Offering: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0toNK4hUr1ULAOBhvcsSMs
 


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2026-01-31

BACH - RICERCAR a 3 from the Musical Offering, tuned into E43

 


We present Bach's Ricercar a 3 from the Musical Offering, tuned into 43-equal division of the octave, very close to 1/5-comma meantone. ⦿ More Ricercar a 3: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz1BTgOx6r8sOUawQpNqV86_ ⦿ More 43-edo videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz2nCT7UY5BiWq_SlIjFBvz6 ⦿ More Bach's Musical Offering: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0toNK4hUr1ULAOBhvcsSMs


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2026-01-03

HANDEL - ALLEMANDE from the Suite in D minor HWV 428 for Harpischord - (Rameau T.O. 4+8)


We present the «Allemande» from Handel's Suite in D minor HWV 428 for Harpischord, tuned into Rameau Tempérament Ordinaire 8+4, the circulating 12-tone tuning generated by 8 meantone fifths (as large as 697 ¢) and 4 sharp fifths (as large as 706 ¢).

The cent figures of the tuning (with C set to 0) are: 79 ¢ 194 ¢ 282 ¢ 388 ¢ 494 ¢ 582 ¢ 697 ¢ 776 ¢ 891 ¢ 988 ¢ 1085 ¢ 1200 ¢ ◙ More tunings of this piece: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftq6tQoV-nQ&list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz1O27Jd_Sjk-QmBXSg-dYs_ ◙ More Rameau Tempérament Ordinaire videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Zd36vuurk&list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz14XaYz6irvBdfXEQyJMDrE


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2025-12-14

ARIA SOPRA LA BERGAMASCA, by Uccellini - arranged for Organ, tuned into Adaptive Just Intonation

 


We present Marc Uccellini's «Aria Sopra La Bergamasca», arranged for Organ, transposed into A, and tuned into Adaptive Just Intonation, implemented as Quarter-comma meantone, but fifths are raised to just on ground notes A, D, E. ⦿ More «La Bergamasca»: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz16FyTv2iEMna2uLh-aZOSx ⦿ More Vicentino's Adaptive Just Intonation: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0CZEtyR9xi2P5XEjTWHNv3


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2025-11-30

La Santa Espina - Claudi Meneghin, Guitar

 

<CAT> Presentem «La Santa Espina», la sardana catalana d'Enric Morera (música) i Àngel Guimerà (text - no inclòs en aquest arranjament). Arranjada i interpretada per Claudi Meneghin, guitarra.

Aquí teniu disponible gratuïtament una partitura (principalment de dos pentagrames):

<ENG> We present «La Santa Espina», a Catalan Sardana by Enric Morera (music) and Àngel Guimerà (text - not featured in this arrangement). Arranged and played by Claudi Meneghin, guitar.

A (mainly two-stave) score is available here free of charge:



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2025-11-09

Bach - Art of Fugue - Contrapunctus 14, Completed [Organ, Rameau TO]


A completion of Bach's Contrapunctus 14 from the Art of Fugue, based on very simple contrapuntal principles. (Jump directly to the completion: https://youtu.be/QxzKooREmB4?t=434 ). Arranged for Organ (soundfonts are Jeux14 and OrganPipe), tuned into Rameau's Tempérament Ordinaire, a circulating temperament generated by 7 meantone fifths (as large as 696.578 ¢), 3 pythagorean fifths (as large as 701.955 ¢) and 2 sharp fifths (as large as 709.045 ¢), then rounded to integer values.

The cent figures of the tuning (with C set to 0) are: 0 ¢ 87 ¢ 193 ¢ 298 ¢ 386 ¢ 503 ¢ 585 ¢ 697 ¢ 789 ¢ 890 ¢ 1007 ¢ 1083 ¢ ⦿ More versions of The Art of Fugue, completed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXA-QwMzYB0&list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz2BVaWuoeaaqAPsWRuAgWim
⦿ More Bach's pieces completed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqVFA5In008&list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0-n44FHBVZiGbn2AGGEGoJ ⦿ More pieces tuned into Rameau Tempérament Ordinaire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Zd36vuurk&list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz14XaYz6irvBdfXEQyJMDrE

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2025-10-24

Double Fugue on "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" - Two versions, one for two harpischords and one for two fortepianos - Vallotti-Young tuning




A double Fugue on "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", presented here in two versions:
  • one for two harpischords;
  • one for two fortepianos.
Tuning is Vallotti- Young's 1/6-comma temperament, a circulating temperament generated by 6 1/6-comma meantone fifths (as large as 698.37 ¢), 5 pure fifths (as large as 701.955 ¢) and one 1-schisma tempered fifth (as large as 700 ¢).
The cent figures of the tuning (rounded to the next integer values, with C set to 0) are:
90 ¢
197 ¢
294 ¢
393 ¢
498 ¢
590 ¢
698 ¢
792 ¢
895 ¢
996 ¢
1092 ¢
1200 ¢



  

            a. Version for two Harpischords                            b. Version for two Fortepianos

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2025-10-05

Bach's Contrapunctus 11 from the Art of Fugue, tuned into Werckmeister 3 (Harpsichord)



We present Bach's Contrapunctus 11 from the Art of Fugue, tuned into Werckmeister 3, a well-temperament possibly used by Bach. This temperament shrinks the fifths C–G, G–D, D–A and B–F♯ by ¼-comma and leaves the other ones pure. The cent figures of the tuning (rounded to integer values) are: C = 0 C♯ = 90 D = 192 D♯ = 294 E = 390 F = 498 F♯ = 588 G = 696 G♯ = 792 A = 888 B♭ = 996 B = 1092. MIdi rendition, soundfont is «Harpischord Zell». Tempo is inspired by Musica Antiqua Köln's performance: https://youtu.be/YqXZtGyFyDo?t=2652

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2025-09-06

Double Fugue on «Old Mac Donald» and «Shave and a Haircut», Tuned into 5-th Comma and 6-th Comma Meantone




A double fugue, combining the «Old Mc Donald» and «Shave & a Haircut» themes; the piece is tuned into

  • 43-equal division of the octave, very close to fifth-comma meantone (Baroque Ensemble);
  • 55-equal division of the octave, very close to sixth-comma meantone (Harpischord & Fortepiano).

  


⦿ More Versions of This Piece: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz0ZQ02Ppdb4X_gfXrOkyH72
⦿ More Fugues and Canons: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC6ZSKWKnVz3lBogeQ66N8W3x_GwUhTFw

Miniature: Derivative of «Andrei Andrejevits Popov: Farmyard» (Finnish National Gallery).

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2025-08-20

THE EXTENDED LAMENT BASS - Tuning Comparison: E12, E17, E19, E29, E31, E41, E43, E53, E55



We present the extended Lament Bass (A-G#-G-F#-F-E-D#-E), harmonised and tuned into 12edo, 17edo, 19edo, 29edo, 31edo, 41edo, 43edo, 53edo, 55edo.

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2025-07-29

HANDEL VARIATIONS for Organ 😎



We present Claudi Meneghin's «Variations on Handel's Harmonious Blacksmith Theme», a set of 11 microtonal variations, for organ, in F. Tuning is as follows (edo = equal division of the octave): • Var 00 - Theme (Rameau's Tempérament Ordinaire) • Var 01 - 15-edo • Var 02 - 13- & 11-edo • Var 03 - 19-edo (Ouverture) • Var 04 - 17-edo • Var 05 - 18-edo • Var 06 - 21-edo • Var 07 - 14-edo • Var 08 - 22-edo • Var 09 - 20-edo • Var 10 - 16-edo • Var 11 - Chaconne (Blacksmith, 15-edo). 🙂

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