> In this way, the Well temperament can be seen as an approximation of equal temperament in a time when the mathematical tools to achieve it were not really kno

> In this way, the Well temperament can be seen as an approximation of equal temperament in a time when the mathematical tools to achieve it were not really known. Is there any evidence for this narrative? Like anyone from the time writing about this who said "the keys are not all identical, but this well-tempered tuning is the best we are capable of doing." > The purpose of Well temperament, used on the harpsichord, was to get rid of those limitations and gain the ability to transpose everything freely while remaining consonant and in-tune. It was certainly designed to make all keys usable, but it doesn't necessarily follow that all keys were intended to be identical.