[HANASHIR:6900] Re: In re "recorded music"

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Burton:

As you predicted, I'm a little offended by the tone of your posting.  

I recognize that sheet music is a useful record of a musical piece, and
that it is the best and/or only avenue for many musicians.  However, to
imply that the many superb (and merely competent) musicians who do not or
don't wish to play from printed music are musically illiterate is insulting.

Although I read and can notate music, I am one of those to whom music comes
first as sound and for whom printed music represents, at best, an
approximation of how music should sound.

Your concept of how easy it is to notate music with a computer is, IMHO, a
little misguided.  Scores do not appear by magic.  There may indeed be
software which can recognize pitches, time signatures, and meters from
someone singing, but I've not heard of it.  My software, which is not
cheap, requires a MIDI instrument, OR, I can enter the notes on a staff
with my mouse.  If you're an accomplished pianist, yes, it's easy; but it's
still not magic.

And then there is also the matter of the intention of the composer, and his
life situation.

I have a regular 40-hour-a-week job.  I also play in a band, play in a duo,
and do music for services in my synagogue.  I serve as cantorial soloist
from time to time.  I coach a softball team.  Until recently, I taught
religious school.  In other words, I'm busy, and I don't write songs for a
living.

Occasionally, I write a decent piece.  I don't have great ambitions of
striking it rich in the Jewish music world, so I'll generally just record
the song in my home studio and entertain a vague hope that the appropriate
time and place will present itself to perform the song.  If somebody hears
my song and wants to do it, I feel good, and I'll create sheet music if
needed; but I didn't necessarily write it because I wanted everybody to
sing it; I wrote it because I got an idea that was strong enough for me to
follow through on, and because it's fun.

I'm not whining about not having the time to create sheet music; we all
choose how our time is spent.  I'm just saying that if a
composer/songwriter puts out a recording and states that sheet music is not
available, YOU shouldn't whine about it!

Respectfully,
Andy Curry


At 03:52 PM 9/14/00 -0400, you wrote:
>One of the mysteries of late 20th century music is the fact that a 
>certain level of musical literacy is not considered important any 
>more.  This comment may offend those among us who 
*******************************
Andy Curry
Schlumberger - CellNet Data Systems
11146 Thompson Ave
Lenexa KS 66219
Office: 913-312-4739
Facsimile: 913-312-4701
Home : 816-363-8381
E-Mail: acurry (at) cellnet(dot)com
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