Alternative tunings, alternative tonalities
Daniel James Wolf · Contemporary Music Review · 2003
Several approaches to the design and use of alternative tuning systems (defined as systems other than 12-tone equal temperament) are described. Each of these tuning systems has been created in order to preserve or extend qualities associated with tonal musics. This is by no means a comprehensive catalogue of such approaches, but rather a selection among those speculative theories that appear to offer greater potential as resources for a wide community of composers. Atonal or purely timbral uses of alternative tuning systems are not examined in this article nor are historical tunings or schemes for retuning existing repertoire.