RE: [Harp-L] Re: fast playing

[Marc Molino <mmolino54@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes, perhaps my post was poorly worded--all I meant was what kind of themes or emotions might be conveyed with which type of tempo. Another poster already pointed out rage or anger being played fast.

But I like that tempo is now a diagnostic tool for personality type and hormone levels. By such reasoning, slow playing might equal too much estrogen?!!! Fast playing may indicate hyperventilation... or high blood pressure...

What I should have asked is what type of music demands what type of tempo stereotypically and what are some exceptions? I think we've done a comprehensive job covering what inappropriate fast or slow playing connotates... Actually, I've yet to hear anyone mention a time when they heard someone playing too slow or not enough notes--any examples of this?
-Marc

> From: harpman54@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 19:00:22 -0500
> Subject: [Harp-L] Re: fast playing
> 
> Larry "The Iceman" Eisenberg succinctly wrote:
> 
> adding others-
> 
>  
> 
> FAST PLAYING MIGHT EQUAL:
> 
> -Too much testosterone
> 
> -Nervousness
> 
>  
> 
> SLOW PLAYING MIGHT EQUAL
> 
> -Maturity
> 
> -Confidence
> 
>  In a message dated 2/9/2009 9:57:25 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
> mmolino54@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> 
>  
> 
> Are the  connotations below accurate? Would you add others?
> 
>  
> 
> FAST PLAYING MIGHT  EQUAL:
> 
> - Joy
> 
> - Happiness
> 
> - Energy
> 
> - Youth
> 
> - Fun
> 
>  
> 
> SLOW  PLAYING MIGHT EQUAL:
> 
> - Sorrow/Melancholy
> 
> - Contemplation/Reflection
> 
> -  Weariness
> 
> - Death
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> To Larry's I might add that fast playing might equal: 
> 
> - self aggrandizement 
> 
> Joy and happiness? Sure. Play Little Walter's "Roller Coaster" or Whammer
> Jammer slowly. Doesn't work. There are times when tempo needs to be quick.
> But not simply to show that you can play fast. I play the William Tell
> Overture on chromatic fast. Why? Because it demands it. 
> 
>  
> 
> slow playing might equal:
> 
> - confidence in conveying the musical 'message' in a concise manner without
> the need for excessive verbage. Why write a book if a paragraph is all it
> takes?
> 
>  
> 
> I've never equated slow playing with death, nor with weariness. Sorrow and
> melancholy yes.if that's what the song called for. If you're weary, sit and
> listen. Pick up some new ideas. But don't play when you can't give your
> audience your best..for all of our sakes, it's the instrument we are
> representing too.
> 
>  
> 
> Thanks Larry, you're still my teacher after many years! By the way, Larry is
> NOT responsible for my opinions. I do owe him a debt of thanks for his
> teaching and instruction though, which has helped me as a player. 
> 
>  
> 
> bill otten
> 
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