When they said that the instrument is tuned to the pitch of A=440 or A=442, what does that mean actually?
Can anyone explain that in full?

Why do the instruments in concerts use a higher pitch of A=442 (or somewhat a bit higher), as compared to A=440?

To produce sound, air needs to vibrate a certain number of times per second. This is measured in Hertz (Hz), and the numbers indicate how many times the air has vibrated, e.g. 440 vibrations will produce what is generally agreed to be the A above middle C. The more vibrations, the higher the pitch.

Any physicists reading the above are welcome to post corrections if I've got it wrong!

A=440 is only something that has become anywhere near standard during the 20th century, and still isn't universal: many European orchestras tune to A=442, so sound slightly sharper than British orchestras. Conversely, some people believe that during the Baroque period, the A was much lower than now, perhaps even 415Hz, which is, IIRC, about a semitone below modern standard pitch.

QUOTE (Deborah @ Jan 27 2005, 04:30 PM)

some people believe that during the Baroque period, the A was much lower than now, perhaps even 415Hz

Hence the name of the specialist Baroque orchestra Ensemble 415.

Being it's still going today, are we sure they aren't a composition by the Cage contingent?

I can't see what's special about this - when I sing, I can't even get up to A=440, but my high A is anywhere between about 150 and 263.125Hz (approx).

There is nothing 'special' about it other than convenience- it is really useful when you turn up at a concert hall to know that the celeste and marimba you have brought with you (and which can't be easily altered in pitch) should be in tune with the piano and organ which are already there.

Wind players tend to push high as the instruments get slightly sharper as they warm up, and the higher pitch is slightly more brilliant so sometimes desired.

Sometimes, orchestras like to tune to A=442, they think it gives them a more brilliant sound.
Seeing that the Baroque A was about 415, in 300 years, A might be Bb!!

QUOTE (davidyko @ Jan 28 2005, 02:14 AM)

in 300 years, A might be Bb!!

NOOOOOO! The soprano line in the chorus of Beethoven 9 is spiteful enough as it is, without being taken up a semitone!

Thirteen bars of fortissimo top A. I ask you...

QUOTE (Deborah @ Jan 28 2005, 09:51 AM)

Thirteen bars of fortissimo top A. I ask you...

ahhhh you have a point...

Great Answer Deborah!

QUOTE (Deborah @ Jan 28 2005, 09:51 AM)

QUOTE (davidyko @ Jan 28 2005, 02:14 AM) in 300 years, A might be Bb!! NOOOOOO! The soprano line in the chorus of Beethoven 9 is spiteful enough as it is, without being taken up a semitone! Thirteen bars of fortissimo top A. I ask you...

But by that time the larynx might have evolved and have superpowers like singing thirteen bars of fortissimo top Bb!

Shouldn't be difficult to transpose the symphony down to C# minor but the strings will sound different. C minor is better then it will last 600 years.
Can't they multitrack just one soprano in that famous silly last movement, the rest could mime?

.'.

QUOTE (cheeble @ Jan 29 2005, 11:18 AM)

But by that time the larynx might have evolved and have superpowers like singing thirteen bars of fortissimo top Bb!

but will ears have developed to cope with that...?

It's possible....