Re: [Harp-L] When Did Fast Become Good?

[Sean Murphy <taser8@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hm - Flight of the Bumblebee...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QV1RGMLUKE

or a bit more current...
Green Hornet theme...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zXx0ReqOOI

I don't think it's just a modern thing.


On Mon, May 13, 2013 at 10:39 AM, AC â <ac4music@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I'm not so sure that playing fast is unique to the post MTV generation. I
> have some recordings of Eastern European harmonica trios / bands from the
> 50's and in majority of the songs they play incredible fast - often in a
> "showing off" look how fast I can do this manner. I personally find nothing
> wrong with it, as long as it is musical and the notes are there.  AC
>  > To: robertrowe2@xxxxxxx; harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> > Subject: Re: [Harp-L] When Did Fast Become Good?
> > From: icemanle@xxxxxxx
> > Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 11:08:54 -0400
> > CC:
> >
> > It all started with MTV (camera shots that changed every 2-4 seconds)
> and video games (constant movement).
> >
> >
> > Generations have grown up subjected to this type of rapid stimulation.
> It encourages passive acceptance (keeps the brain entertained) with minimal
> effort from the recipient.
> >
> >
> > It's a funny world now.
> >
> >
> > The good news is that the WELL PLACED NOTE, sustained and surrounded by
> NOT PLAYING still will move any audience. The performance fear may be that
> the player, if using this approach, definitely puts himself out there on a
> tight rope, balanced by a different type of deeper talent.
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Robert Rowe <robertrowe2@xxxxxxx>
> > To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx Harp-L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> > Sent: Sun, May 12, 2013 10:31 pm
> > Subject: [Harp-L] When Did Fast Become Good?
> >
> >
> > When did we develop the mindset that playing at breakneck speed was the
> hallmark
> > of a good player?  So often I'll hear a player rip through a run of
> 1/128th
> > notes and the audience cheers like it was the second coming of Christ. It
> > doesn't seem to matter that the pitch , timing and intonation was
> terrible. Fast
> > = good. I caught the bug ala Eddie Van Halen when I learned to shred my
> > electrics. The poor janitor was sweeping notes up off the floor for days
> when I
> > got done.
> >
> >
> >
> > Now, in my old age and wisdom, I appreciate a tune played at a
> reasonable pace
> > so that you can hear the tone of the instrument, the nuances applied by
> the
> > artist, the perfect pitch and timing. It reminds me of a quote
> attributed to
> > Miles Davis; "Learn to play the silence."
> >
> > Kelly
> >
> >
>
>