In grad school I wrote a paper about historic tuning, and the benefit it would bestow to students to learn it. Many years later, I am still an advocate for historic tuning, and also enjoy listening to pieces in both standard and historic tuning. I was inspired to post about this topic after having a delightful convo with my friend, and train buddy, Kim. If you've never listened to a Mozart or Beethoven symphony, a Chopin Nocturne, a Bach Partita on period instruments with historic tuning, then you must!
What's the difference you ask? Well, current orchestral tuning is A = 440. Some orchestras tune to 441, others 442, and I know plenty of string players who prefer to tune to 441, especially when playing chamber music. I find this pretty interesting considering that A in Mozart's time A was about 422, and prior to that really fluctuated. Also, 432 seems to be a pretty magical number, naturally pleasant, and the harmonic frequencies seem to be more "fresh" according to many who choose to tune to such. There's a great article on Motherboard about it here. http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-fringe-audiophiles-who-want-to-topple-standard-tuning
Just this morning I heard the Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto in historic tuning. I almost didn't recognized it, but in a good way. The tempo was noticably slower, and the full, richness of the notes was breathtaking. I already love Vivaldi, and cello, but now throw in the tuning and it was divine. I didn't want to get out of the car! Listening to the adagio was such a wonderful aural experience, and the music itself was a relaxing way to start the day.
Now, it's not to say that those same pieces aren't any good in standard tuning, but the experience of hearing them as the composers heard them, or to play them as the musicians played them long ago is something to try.
If you want to give historic tuning a try, here are some suggestions. If you're fortunate to live in an area that has a Baroque ensemble, or Historic music ensemble, then I encourage you to take full advantage and hear pieces live. NYC and the surrounding area is full of them, and most major cities have a professional chamber orchestra.
Suggestions: NOT AN EXTENSIVE LIST. These are simply based on my personal preferences.
Bach Solo Partitas and Sonatas
Bach concerto for two violins
Boccherini: Cello concertos
Beethoven: Everything EVERYTHING.....IF you haven't heard "Moonlight Sonata" played on period instruments with tuning of the time then you have been missing out my friend.
Mozart: Everything, but especially his symphonies, and of course his Serenade for Winds Op. 361 (you know, the one featured in Amadeus with that glorious high note in the oboe).
Vivaldi double cello concerto
Vivaldi concerto for violin and cello
Vivaldi bassoon concertos (yes...bassoon! It's a lovely instrument. It's heavy to hold when playing but makes such delightful sounds).
THIS LIST HERE is a fantastic resource of historic period instrument recordingsthat are compiled and kept up to date by Dr. Roger Peters. http://www.wissensdrang.com/picds1.htm
So, what pieces do you guys like? Are you a fan of historic tuning or period instruments? Comment below!