Abstract
The work of the piano tuner is indispensable for any concert or opera, but it takes place away from the public eye. As with so many things in life, the pursuit of perfect tuning inevitably leads to compromise, thanks to extenuating circumstances. Music theorist Andreas Werckmeister understood this already at the end of the 17th century, when he toiled to understand the pitfalls of mean-tone temperament, trying to bring structure to the chaos. Alongside Werckmeister's cryptic-philosophical texts, compositions from Schütz to Charles Ives form the starting point for this music theater creation by Swiss theater artist Thom Luz. The work will be presented in the former «Kino Sternen» in Zurich-Oerlikon, which will open as the new «Oper im Quartier» venue starting in the 2026/27 season.