February 16, 1859

On February 16, 1859, the French government passed a law that set the A-note above middle C to a frequency of 435 Hz. This was to standardize the pitch. Violaters of this law would be required to teach elementary school children how to play ‘Frere Jacques’  on the recorder. Repeat offenders would be sentenced to teaching tone-deaf Americans how to play the banjo. Frenchmen found to be incorrigible, would be forced to move to Scotland and take up the bagpipes. The French were serious about standardizing the pitch.

About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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