613 



lETTER RESPECTING SOUND AND LIGHT. 



note is tuned on any keyed instruments, mak- 

 ing an imperfection of nearly two commas, 

 in tiie relation as third of the dominant, 

 which is the fundamental note of the chord : 

 while, in the mean time, our theorists have 

 been labouring, by the most complicated 

 contrivances, to introduce notes into keyed 

 instruments, which shall have exactly a con- 

 trary effect, by making the ascending semi- 

 tone as wide a step as possible. On asking 

 very lately the opinion of a practical musi- 

 cian of great eminence, and one, who in 

 every respect does honour to his profession, he 

 decidedly agreed in the superiority of such a 

 diminished semitone, and observed that the 

 key of E derived a very elegant character 

 from the usual method of tuning Dis as 

 Ees, a minor third to C : hence the Illds 

 on Ees and G being very little tempered, the 

 Illd on the dominant B must be about a 

 comma and half too sharp. The factis, that 



in this case, the harmony is somewhat im- 

 paired, in order to improve the melody. The 

 semitone is considered only in its relation to 

 the key note : the interval of 15 to l6 is far 

 too small to be distinctly conceived as com- 

 mensurate, it possesses, therefore, no melody 

 in virtue of the perfection of its ratio; and a 

 certain elegance of expression is added, by 

 approaching to the natural and colloquial as- 

 cent of a voice by imperceptible degrees. It 

 must, however, be confessed, that some ex- 

 cellent musicians prefer a purer harmony ; 

 and in this, as in all other matters of taste, 

 considerable latitude must be allowed for the 

 habits and predilections^of individuals. 



I am, Sii-, 



With great respect. 



Your obedient humble servant, 



^°' \l' IIJjTwi.""'' THOMAS YOUNG. 



