Why Can a Piano Play in Every Key? The Secret of Equal Temperament | The Classical Music Minute

Why Can a Piano Play in Every Key? The Secret of Equal Temperament | The Classical Music Minute

August 17, 2026 · 1 min · Season 6 · Episode 287

About this episode

This episode explores the concept of equal temperament and how it allows pianos to play in every key by slightly adjusting tuning.

Send us Fan Mail What if making music sound in tune actually requires making it slightly out of tune? Discover the ingenious compromise of equal temperament and how dividing the octave into twelve equal parts allows musicians to play freely in every key—all in just sixty seconds. Love classical music? There's more to discover. If you enjoyed this episode, you can read the companion article and subscribe on Substack at The Classical Music Minute. And for a brand-new narrated classical music st...

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Host: Steven Hobé

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