SHARPS AND FLATS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 91, 18 April 1941, Page 6

SHARPS AND FLATS.

Mr. Swinburne* letter demonstrate* again the difference between theorr and 1-i-Hi-i ,<e. I tlo not deny the fact* quoted U-om Jean,, but the only instruments To t.u.e.l are those of the percussion Ms- ion capable of melody and harmonv » ii(l the various types of organs. In strings an<l wind instruments, both ree.l .ui< brass, the human element enters Hn.l a good oar will not accept the. theoretical rule laid down. With bra** the -evtion with which this discussion" started, the natural law of harmonic make, for example, the fourth hannoniflat and tlio fitth eharp, so it follow* that the player must lip or use alternative ringermjr to 'brin? the instrument in lune. If there i< no key colour. hmv then <au «nmc pifted individual* to!! what key a combination of instrumenta]]Ms arc playing? It mar be arpiH that tins is because of a seWe of aW lute pitch, but this would probably he disputed by those concerned. In* the bras* band an indefinable sense of full ness, and satisfaction is felt in playing ;n flat keys, by myself at anr rate,"an/? tins ffelinje i< not common to the 6am" arrangement traneposed to a eharp key. Summed up. Mr. Swinburne does n.'t iecogni>e the natural law in music aivl )t> reasoning, or shall I say arjuin". mi theory alone. .May I ask Mr. Swinburne when he tune* one note on hi* saxophone liow ho obtains correct intonation in the renters above and below, if not by lipping? Or does he? V. I. CLARK.