Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited

aristoxenean


    A qualifier used to describe temperaments which are based on the distribution of the Pythagorean comma, in honor of the ancient Greek music-theorist Aristoxenos, who described tuning a 12-tone scale by means of "4ths" and "5ths" but without describing any ratios, in which the Pythagorean comma vanishes.

    The EDOs in the family of aristoxenean temperaments have cardinalities which are multiples of 12: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, etc.

    [from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]

Updated:

2002.10.19 -- page created

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