sharp thirds

I didn't create a wav. file to distribute, but I quickly retuned a synth to C - E (+4 cents) - G (+2cents). It did not sound any more locked than the tempered third (I doubt that the 0.4 cent error affects the result). I was talking to someone today who told me of an experience in Germany where the choir conductor led arpeggio warm-ups, intentionally sharpening the +3rds. This was to overcompensate for the choirs tendency to sing increasingly flat over the course of a performance. It was also mentioned that the weather, humidity, time of day, etc. can affect a choirs tendency to sing flat - thus increasing the need to compensate. (someone earlier mentioned overcompensation as a possible cause).

Also, unless I missed an e-mail, has context been discussed? If we're talking about the third in a chord functioning as a dominant, the tendency might be to treat that tone as a leading-tone to the tonic root. C-E-G to F. I believe that there is a tendency to sing leading tones sharp. I could follow up with some actual names and sources if this seems at all relevant.

Hope I'm not being redundant, P. Ruston

Hi Paul. Like you we asked Jerry if he thought the high third occured mainly
in chords functioning as the dominant, and he said no, it could just as
easily be the tonic. Since you just joined us, you might want to look over
the onelist archives starting with Jerry's first post on 12/17/99.