As an orchestra musician, I don't believe an orchestra can ever go down below 440. Trying to play any modern wind instrument at those pitches would sound awful and just pitching them down would not work. If I would go to Heckel (the bassoon brand I play, because they have been the best (and most expensive by far) for about 200 years) and ask them to make a 432hz-pitched bassoon they would laugh at me.
I think there has been a drive slightly downwards since the 60s, mainly because instruments and players have become better. Sure, the Vienna Philharmonic might have started at A=440hz, but ten minutes into the recording it has already at 444. I have tried to do play-along to those recording (when fast-learning an orchestra part), and by the end of the movements I can't get up that far.
In my orchestra (80 musicians, triple winds. In Sweden) we start 442, and usually end slightly above 443 (sometimes higher, depending on heat and repertoire). I recently played a concert in the Swedish radio orchestra, and they are amazingly consistent.
I think there has been a drive slightly downwards since the 60s, mainly because instruments and players have become better. Sure, the Vienna Philharmonic might have started at A=440hz, but ten minutes into the recording it has already at 444. I have tried to do play-along to those recording (when fast-learning an orchestra part), and by the end of the movements I can't get up that far.
In my orchestra (80 musicians, triple winds. In Sweden) we start 442, and usually end slightly above 443 (sometimes higher, depending on heat and repertoire). I recently played a concert in the Swedish radio orchestra, and they are amazingly consistent.