A = 432: A superior tuning or just a different intonation? How tuning standards affects emotional response, timbre and sound quality in music

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the ways tuning to A = 432 Hz affects emotional response, timbre, sound quality, character and tone compared to the standard tuning of A = 440 Hz, and whether or not it is humanly possible to discern a difference between these two. This was all done in an effort to evaluate claims that A = 432 Hz is superior to standard tuning in regards the previously mentioned factors. For this to be done, the history and development of tuning standards as well as intonation systems, presented alongside theories on the basic physics of sound, the effect of spectral manipulation on timbre and sound, and finally memory structures for remembering musical pitches. As a musician and composer, exploring new ways of creating emotion and controlling the effects of a composition, and dispelling potential misinformation is always a worthwhile pursuit. The study was performed by way of surveys where respondents were asked to listen to a composition in two versions, one in A = 440 Hz and the other in A = 432 Hz and then rate the perceived similarity between these two. They were then asked to give their answer regarding preference and associations of character and emotional response to each version. Results show that the claims of the A = 432 Hz proponents might not be as simple as portrayed, but rather a more complex series of relationships. There is support for the idea that the two tunings are unique enough for the average human to discern a difference between the two, and that some type of unique character is contained in each tuning.