Latest Werckmeister Update

Hello those interested!

It turns out that there are 35 distinct intervals in "Werckmeister chromatic"
which leads me to suspect a further refinement to Bach's composition.

Before creating even a motive, Bach would choose a single interval of the 35
per octave (often allowing the flexibility of several keys to choose later).

For example, 2nd movement of the 2nd Brandenburg has a series of melodies
that begin on an A going to Bb and back, thus emphasizing this semitone of
108 cents. The success of this movement is Bach's intention to emphasize
only one size of major second for melodic reasons. Other semitones possible
would include: 90, 96, and 102 cents. Bach's choice here was the biggest of
the semitones.

Best, Johnny Reinhard

Hello Johnny,

There are 39 different intervals. I've heard of a program which
easily counts this for you...
The largest semitone is indeed 108 cents. Hmm, I must really
find the Koopman record you mentioned.

Manuel