String tension is directly proportional to the square of the frequency. In this case, to increase the pitch from 430 to 440 results in an increase in tension of (440/430)squared ie around 4.7%. Thus if your theorbo is strung at a general nominal tension of, say, 4Kg per string the string tension will only increase by around 0.19Kg to 4.19Kg. Accordingly, unless the instrument is already at the limit, if it were me I'd tune up to A440 if you wish to play in this concert and the conductor still doesn't intend to perform at A430 (I presume he's using modern instruments). Incidentally, if you use a robust theorbo technique and play close to the bridge, rather than a gentle lute style of plucking, my experience is that you will be heard - other than in the loudest orchestral tuttis. There is really no need to employ irritating fillers between passages simply just to be heard! Such fillers should, I suggest, only be used where there's a real musical need for them...... MH __________________________________________________________________
From: Gary Boye <boy...@appstate.edu> To: lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Tuesday, 8 August 2017, 1:50 Subject: [LUTE] A440? Lute List members, Help! I've been asked to play on some Lully excerpts from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme in early October. I have a theorbo, lute, Baroque guitar . . . no problem. But the conductor wants to do it A440. All of my instruments are strung for A430 (and one A415). My initial response is to say no, but I want to encourage some early music performance here, so my only options would appear to be: 1) Re-string an instrument for A440 ($$$!) 2) Try some type of capo (OK for guitar, less so on theorbo) 3) Try to finger it at F#m or Fm and stay tuned low 4) Tune high and risk it (!) 5) Try to convince them to play at A430 (seems doubtful) It's frustrating, but again, I'd like the experience of doing something to encourage some early music performance here . . . Any thoughts appreciated. Gary -- Dr. Gary R. Boye Erneston Music Library Appalachian State University Virus-free. [1]www.avast.com -- References Visible links 1. [1]https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm _campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=link Hidden links: 3. [2]https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm _campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon 4. file://localhost/net/ifs-users/lute-arc/L20935-2346TMP.html#DAB4FAD8-2D D7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2 To get on or off this list see list information at [3]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=link 2. https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon 3. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html