Re: [Harp-L] Villa-Lobos at Teatro Amazonas

[Roger A Gonzales <gonz1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I agree that the harmonica has its place in the classical world.  The reason I posed the 
question is that I recently saw a performance by Phillip Achille at Royal Albert Hall.  He was 
using a small lapel mic to be heard over the orchestra.  The mix was wonderful.  There is 
another performance of his where I believe he is in Vienna and he has the same type of set-
up.  Again the blend was excellent.  I would think that simply because of the physical 
capabilities and limitations of the harmonica a well thought out amplification system would 
be a welcome thing in any orchestral setting involving a chromatic harmonica.  I guess it can 
and has been done both ways.  I can totally understand the desire to play acoustic when the 
venue has superb acoustics.  I am impressed that with the volume you are able to achieve 
seeing that the CBH is not the loudest chromatic harmonica out there.  
Thanks for the clarification.

kindest regards,
Roger Gonzales  
Fresno, CA.    

----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Bonfiglio <bon@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2009 4:36 pm
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Villa-Lobos at Teatro Amazonas
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Cc: Roger A Gonzales <gonz1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

> Roger Gonzales  and many others wrote:
> 
> > Robert,
> > Why don't you choose to use some type of mic system?  Even if 
> just  
> > to help you a small
> > amount.  There must be something that will allow you to 
> concentrate  
> > on other aspect of the
> > concerto and not so much the volume of things.
> > Just curious. break a leg.
> >
> 
> 
> Classical music as an idiom takes pride in having players perform 
> in  
> a hall with good acoustics and no amplification.  If the harmonica 
> is  
> capable of playing acoustically with volume and power, then it's 
> sort  
> of "step up to the plate."  If we wish our instrument to complete  
> with others, we have to prove that it is worthy.
> 
> I feel it's an honor to show other orchestral musicians just what 
> the  
> harmonica can do and if that makes for more work, well welcome to 
> the  
> world.  Harmonica players have nothing to be embarrassed about when 
> 
> it comes to our chosen instrument.
> 
> 
> harmonically yours,
> 
> Robert Bonfiglio
> http://www.robertbonfiglio.com
> 
>