cut'n'paste et al

[Judith R Cohen <judithc...>]

>  Even if we can arrange to get this
> CD out, the transcriptions are often a combination of different
> performances
With this, you open up a HUGE can of worms , not from a songbook
perspective, but from an ethnomusicological one. It seems there are 2
different issues here though: using Aron's versions, which is a
perfectly logical thing to do as he grew up with the tradition; and the
cut'n'paste which is another thing altogether . Again, as he is so
familiar with the tradition, this is different from someone from outside
it doing that, but should be mentioned in the notes.It isn't a question
of "authentic" in an absolute sense, more a question of letting people
know what the methodology was: if that was the best approach for this
book, fine.

With all due respect and admiration, though, whatever the reasons for
not including a cd are,  if that had been the intention but it proved to
be impossible for whatever reason to either have that publisher do it or
to change publishers, then perhaps including a note to that effect in
the book, saying that the authors hope to be able to issue one in the
near future?

>  I hope we
> don't get into the criticism of why there is not a CD with this book. We're
> working on it. Believe me after ten years struggling to get this farkakte
> book out, it feels frustrating to have it pointed out that we didn't include
> the cd when we fought with our sanity to get it included. 

The book has received very positive attention, and should do so, but if
I and others find that it would be immeasurably enhanced by including a
cd, which, again, is hardly uncommon these days (Henry's book,though
separately;  Mark Slobin's book, Kay SHelemay on Syrian Jews, etc etc)
then, while appreciating the frustrations and difficulties (believe me!)
I think it's a little unfair to suggest that no one can criticize this
omission. It's being sold, it's being sold! but wanting to sell one's
product, however excellent, doesn't mean no one can say anything about
it that you don't want them to!
ok, shoot me, affectionately, Judith

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