NormanKliman -> RE: food for thought (Oct. 12 2007 19:49:11)
|
Interesting quotes, particularly the first, and comments. I had to laugh at the skull joke, too. [:)] Just for the purpose of analyzing these quotes, I'd have to say that there are a couple of factors involved, IMO, that he didn't address. In the first quote, I think greatness also depends on the time frame, at least in flamenco. Some of the things you hear on old recordings are truly great, even though they might not be very exciting today, at least not on first impression. Which leads to the other factor that isn't found in this quote: Sometimes the listener has to make an effort in order to understand the greatness, which is practically at odds with what he said about the work of art "inviting you in." I don't find much mystery or "reasons unkown" in the subject of the second quote. Artists like showing off, and if some of them put in the effort to do things right it must be because it feels good for them when they do it. I might summarize the entire quote by saying that a musician should be telling a story with his/her music. About why music fascinates people, a "rhythmic architecture" or "hierarchy of accents" is very important, IMO. It's one thing to play different accents over 12 beats, and it's another to play a few hundred beats and to keep the dynamics just right and the compás tight. I'm not referring to playing metronomically but rather to the fact that everything's got a beginning, middle and end. I think that's what's most responsible for the listener being drawn into the music (and staying there). It's all about the passing of time and the absence of distractions. Just my opinion, I hope others will offer more interesting comments. Norman
|
|
|
|