gj Michelob -> RE: Why are guitarists such snobs? (a profoundly negative post :-) ) (Jan. 31 2009 7:13:54)
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"gjMichelob's comments, though he is clearly articulate and intelligent, could do with a dash less pretension" Cleverly put, Ramirez, to expose the danger of my own snobbery. I cannot disagree with you. Much of the criticism we read is moved by pretentiously upholstered ignorance. If my opinion conveys that unpleasant impression, I am absolutely embarrassed and apologize, accordingly. I am no musicologist, nor an authority on flamenco. ‘just played guitar on&off since I was a child, learning on the same day I started Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” and Carulli’s “andante in Sol Maggiore” may be for they both share the same key. As I aged it was all about classical guitar, and later Cello, to appreciate classical music and orchestration. I enjoy any music, played by anyone, even on my doorbell, or on the phone keys. When I finally stumbled upon a Jim Opfer’s video a couple of years ago, his Solea, which in turn linked me to a Vicente Amigo’s Solea, I discovered a new world, a treasure of technique and style unknown to me. All I know about this music is though obsessively listening (and now watching, with youtube) to it. However, as a general statement, I find that a Virtuoso is likely to be criticized of frigid mechanical discipline, it is the inherent danger of flawlessly reproducing intricate phrases. Classical music stages are replete with the “enfant prodige” phenomena and acrobats of music. I find it regretful that audiences will be amused by that luna-park-like performance. I am with Brahms, artistry is not in the notes we play, but in the pause between them. I forgive the occasional misplay more than a digitally edited recording, I am more inspired by a passionate acceleration albeit violating the score, than a metronome sanctioned music box. We all enjoy music and playing an instrument for different reasons: speed or ostentatious complexity never did it for me, but I am high when calmly striking an A major chord on a dry sounding blanca and my heart beat seems to measure the lingering sound filling the pause.
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