Serenade for Strings played one half-tone low?!
Question: If the whole string orchestra were (for a prank) fooled into having their instruments tuned one half tone higher (or lower) than the correct one, and then they played a Serenade for Strings at the correct tempo, - what would be the effect?
Assuming one hasn't been blessed with perfect pitch, that is, (Nor tone deafness of course!)
Answers: If the whole string orchestra were (for a prank) fooled into having their instruments tuned one half tone higher (or lower) than the correct one, and then they played a Serenade for Strings at the correct tempo, - what would be the effect?
Assuming one hasn't been blessed with perfect pitch, that is, (Nor tone deafness of course!)
I do this type of transposing all the time teaching theory - it only bothers people with perfect pitch (esp. for sight singing). If something is out of range for a specific voice, just change keys up or down. A perfect fifth sounds like the same interval whether it's C-G or F#-C#.
This piece played down a half step might sound odd to people who are VERY familiar with the piece. Even without perfect pitch your ear becomes familiar with the relative pitch of the music (think of your favorite album - you can usually hear/hum the key of the next track before it starts).
No effect at all really...it would still work. It would sound funny to anybody with perfect pitch.
Remember , not all orchestras tune to A 440 so professionals are used to some variation in pitch.
The only effect is that it would be in a different key - which would be impercptible by nearly all listeners.