yhtätemperoituna

Yhtätemperoituna is a Finnish term that translates to "equally tempered" in English. It refers to a tuning system where the octave is divided into a specific number of equal intervals. This system is in contrast to older tuning methods, such as Pythagorean tuning or just intonation, which aimed for perfect mathematical ratios for certain intervals but resulted in some intervals being out of tune when modulating to different keys.

The most common equal temperament system used today is twelve-tone equal temperament (12-TET). In 12-TET, the octave is divided into twelve semitones of equal frequency ratio. This means that all semitones are acoustically identical, allowing for smooth modulation to any key without the need for retuning or encountering significantly dissonant intervals. This equal division was a significant development in music theory and practice, enabling composers to explore a wider harmonic palette.

The mathematical basis of 12-TET involves using the twelfth root of two (approximately 1.05946) as the frequency ratio for each semitone. When this ratio is multiplied twelve times, it results in a doubling of the frequency, thus creating an octave. While this system sacrifices some of the perfect purity of intervals found in just intonation, its practicality and universality have made it the standard for most Western musical instruments, including pianos, guitars, and woodwinds. The concept of yhtätemperoituna underpins the harmonic possibilities of modern music.