THE ISSUE OF A-432 Hz TUNING: OPENING THOUGHTS In tenth grade I had one of those teachers who so strongly influenced my thinking so as to change my life for the better from that year forward. His name was Joe Meli, and he taught geometry and trigonometry, as well as handled the three students comprising the schools so called ‘gifted’ program. I had already acquired some significant skills on the electric guitar, as well as a fairly thorough knowledge of basic music theory. I can recall discussing the issue of psychoacoustics with Mr. Meli on multiple occasion, and in fact I can remember talking about this very concept with him more than once. He used to call tuning A to 432 Hz “Pythagorean pitching”. The qualifying term “Pythagorean” was and is still used to reference this tuning, as the proposed scale is the direct result of applying Pythagorean logic as the defining element of each harmonic interval, as reckoned in hierarchal fashion progressing from octave to fifth, fourth, third, second, and all remaining semi-tones, in their inferred position. Most commonly one finds this manifesting by the immediate tuning of each fifth in the scale to the appropriate 3:2 ratio, exactly and without exception or deviation. Recall in an earlier installment that I detailed the reasoning behind reckoning harmonic intervals in terms of ratio as opposed to specific frequency, and listed both the ideal, or theoretically “correct” mathematical ratios along with the actual ratios used in the “Justly Tempered” twelve tone scale that is the basis for most modern Western music. The point I wanted to underscore then and now is that these ratios remain unaltered regardless of the pitch of the genesis tone. For example, the octave ratio of 2:1 is always 2:1, no matter what the actual frequency of the base note is, whether it be a C-128Hz or a C-random error 139hz or what have you, the tone’s octave may always be accurately manifested simply by doubling the vibration frequency of the base tone. Hence, 2:1 ratio is the “governing logic” of the octave harmonic interval. Every given harmonic interval in a given scale has an ideal ratio of frequency that most accurately expresses and manifests that interval. In this fashion harmonics may therefore be expressed in terms that remain constant regardless of base tone pitch. However, for purpose of this discussion, the defining element of our subject scale is specifically the exact pitch of ONE TONE, namely, that of A-432 Hz. Of particular relevance is the fact that this is a very minor diminishment in pitch – one of only 8 Hz. This difference is of such miniscule proportion to the whole so as to render it undetectable to the vast majority of human beings by means of exposure to pitch alone. In other words, most people simply can’t hear any difference unless the two notes of A432 and A440 are played in immediate succession and with clear resonance. Yet the proponents of this adjustment in general tend to emphasize the magnitude of positive impact it has on their musical experience to a near maniacal degree. Indeed, a casual perusal of the internet yields website after website presenting this tuning as one with capabilities ranging from the generation of emotional bliss, to biological healing of various form, all the way up to claims of promoting and manifesting spiritual development, biological augmentation at the genetic level via altering of the DNA, and life extension principles up to and including immortality! Granted, the extreme end of this list is not common, but it is findable. What is common however is the reference of the A432Hz base tone as a “Universal Harmonic” or “Divine Harmonic” or “Frequency of All Life”. Even more astounding is the fact that many said references are not citing the scale inclusive of its twelve tones, but rather are specifically referring to the single tone of A432Hz as a naturally occurring and practically omnipresent aspect, observable in all legitimate systems and demonstrable as their axiomatic function. This fact compels me to insert at this juncture a personal disclaimer: I just don’t reckon the single tone of A432Hz in these terms or any other terms that would tend to suggest such claims or any others of similar nature. Put simply, I do not regard one particular pitch as intrinsically superior to another in any way, and most certainly cannot fathom the notion that the sole presence of a single pitch may be logically comprehended as the underlying basis upon which living systems are designed and executed. That being said, I will admit to empathizing with persons who hold to the belief that one single tone might be the so called First Cause insofar as one might deduce equality between said tone and say, God’s Command for light. After all, who is to say that the voice of God isn’t exactly an ever present tone reverberating throughout the universe entire at precisely 432 Hz? Certainly not I. Indeed, I adhere to the notion that a single mathematical constant governs all growth and moreover represents the only quantifying term that specifically identifies total consistency throughout that which it describes. Here again I refer to the mathematical term Phi, utilized to describe a specific ratio. So to be clear: I am not mocking or ridiculing in any manner those who hold to the aforementioned belief about A432. Indeed, my intent is precisely the opposite of ridicule. Rather it is my hope that persons espousing a philosophy that includes a passionate belief or knowledge about A432, come forth and offer specifics and clarification – not so as to incite argument, as that is simply pointless and counterproductive – but rather for the specific purpose of educating me on the issue. At the end of the day I am always eager to learn, and moreover I am willing to accept the fact that others may very well be in possession of knowledge that I simply do not know exists to begin with, much less comprehend. So there it is – a general summation of the issue at hand. I pause here for all of us – but next I will offer specific concepts in precise terms describing my interpretation of this matter and its underlying cause. The post will appear in short order. Peace.
Posted on: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 02:57:09 +0000