Classical Tuning (c. 1750–1820)

The Classical period saw keyboard tuning in gradual transition from well temperament to equal temperament. Composers increasingly demanded full chromatic freedom — remote modulations, enharmonic pivots, and bold key relationships that well temperaments handled awkwardly. By the end of the Classical period, equal temperament was advocated by leading theorists and instrument builders, though it was not universally adopted until later.

Standard Temperaments in the Classical Era

Vallotti Standard well temperament for early-to-mid Classical keyboard music (Haydn, early Mozart). Balanced key color with all 24 keys usable. Young Thomas Young's 1800 well temperament — appropriate for late Classical and early Romantic keyboard works. Gentle key color, close to equal temperament. Kirnberger III Appropriate for early Classical repertoire through early Mozart. Purer common keys than Vallotti; less suitable for works with remote modulations. Neidhardt Neidhardt's temperament family spans meantone-adjacent to near-equal — appropriate context-dependent for Classical repertoire. Equal Temperament The standard for modern performance of all Classical and Romantic repertoire, and historically appropriate for late Classical works (Beethoven's middle and late periods).

Historical Context

The Classical period is historically complex for temperament: no single system was universal. Well temperaments (Vallotti, Young, Neidhardt) were standard for keyboard instruments in the earlier Classical period (Haydn, Mozart). Equal temperament was increasingly advocated by theorists and was likely used by some piano builders by the late 18th century. The fortepiano (the period keyboard instrument) sounds different from the modern piano in timbre and projection, and well temperament gives it a character that equal temperament flattens. By Beethoven's later works (after c.1800), equal temperament is increasingly the practical expectation — his remote modulations and enharmonic pivots (e.g., the slow movement of the Waldstein Sonata) are designed for equal temperament's key neutrality.

Representative Repertoire

Joseph Haydn's 104 symphonies and keyboard sonatas (1759-1803) span the Classical period; early works suit well temperament, later works approach equal temperament. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's piano concertos and sonatas (1763-1791) are often performed on fortepiano with Vallotti or Kirnberger III in historically-informed settings. Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas (1795-1822) increasingly demand equal temperament — his Hammerklavier Sonata (Op. 106, 1817-1818) modulates to keys that would be harsh in strong well temperaments. Franz Schubert's late piano works (1822-1828) similarly require equal temperament's full key neutrality.

Explore Classical Tuning in Tunable — Get Tunable.

Tunable supports all 5 temperaments standard in the Classical era. See exact Hz deviations from equal temperament in real time as you play.

15+ Temperaments Metronome + Device Sync Tone Generator Practice Recording Ear Training Practice Score Vibrato Analysis

Historical Era Sequence

← Baroque All Temperaments Modern →

All Temperaments Note Frequencies Tone Generator Keyboard — Classical