on music

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on music

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eccullen

Posts: 97
Joined: Aug. 14 2007

on music

A nice essay:
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/what-my-musical-instruments-have-taught-me

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 25 2023 14:48:57

Morante

Posts: 2184
Joined: Nov. 21 2010

RE: on music (in reply to eccullen)

Gracias

An interesting quote:

There have been many studies comparing old and new violins, for instance, or flutes made of different metals, in which a player is hidden behind a screen and listeners are asked to identify which instrument is being played. The problem with this approach is that the difference between a good instrument and a great one could inhere in the player’s experience, rather than in the external sound. If an instrument inspires a musician, then the music will be more meaningful, even if listeners can’t distinguish the sound of one instrument from another. Music is an interior art before it becomes exterior.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 25 2023 17:05:21

AndresK

Posts: 313
Joined: Jan. 4 2019
From: Patras, Greece

RE: on music (in reply to Morante)

Well said. Couldn't agree more.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 25 2023 21:59:15

Ricardo

Posts: 14844
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: on music (in reply to Morante)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Morante

Gracias

An interesting quote:

There have been many studies comparing old and new violins, for instance, or flutes made of different metals, in which a player is hidden behind a screen and listeners are asked to identify which instrument is being played. The problem with this approach is that the difference between a good instrument and a great one could inhere in the player’s experience, rather than in the external sound. If an instrument inspires a musician, then the music will be more meaningful, even if listeners can’t distinguish the sound of one instrument from another. Music is an interior art before it becomes exterior.

This was in the back of my mind as well when I tested myself with several different guitars. I thought either one would jump out as sounding “better” than the rest, or perhaps the fact I enjoyed playing one more than another might make a difference as to how the resultant sound was produced …. Therefore I would objectively choose the best guitar no matter what the price or my bias toward wood and labels. In the end, each guitar played back at random to me (I had just played each one moments before the same short falseta) ALL SOUNDED THE EXACT SAME!

It was quite a shock that I could not tell which guitar was which by sound alone.

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 26 2023 16:18:54