Ontological Perspective of Tuning System and Temperament in String Instruments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17509/swara.v6i2.61Keywords:
Alat Musik Gesek, Musik, Ontologi, Sistem Penalaan, TemperamentAbstract
Tuning system and temperament are fundamental principles underlying musical structure, intonation accuracy, and the realization of musical compositions. Among the most widely adopted systems are Pythagorean Tuning (PT), Just Intonation (JI), and Equal Temperament (ET), each reflecting distinct theoretical foundations and performance practices. Despite their widespread application, the ontological implications of these tuning systems for sound perception and musical identity remain insufficiently explored. This study examines the theoretical characteristics, practical applications, and ontological significance of PT, JI, and ET within musical contexts. A comprehensive literature review was conducted by analyzing 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria to synthesize previous findings, identify research gaps, and establish conceptual relationships across the literature. The findings indicate that the choice of tuning system significantly influences intonation accuracy, auditory perception, and musical identity. PT provides acoustically stable interval relationships suitable for solo performance, JI offers pure interval ratios effective for vocal and instrumental ensembles, whereas ET enables flexible modulation and compatibility with fixed-pitch instruments. These findings demonstrate that tuning systems should be understood not only as technical frameworks but also as ontological constructs shaping musical experience and aesthetic perception. Accordingly, systematic instruction on tuning systems should be integrated into music education to enhance critical listening, intonation awareness, aesthetic sensitivity, and informed artistic decision-making.
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