Re: [Harp-L] klezmer on chromatic harp

[Slim Heilpern <slim@xxxxxxxxxx>]

p.s. Correction: I should not have said "Music of all kinds..." below. 
There are of course many kinds of music that are strictly bound to a 
single key or mode throughout a given piece. Likewise, there are many 
kinds of music that tend to contain subtle or not-so-subtle key changes 
from bar to bar.

- Slim.

Slim Heilpern wrote:
> Hi -
>
> With respect to Phil's long answer, I would respectfully disagree with 
> the assertion that it's easier to learn how to play in one or two keys 
> and that the more chromatics in different keys and tunings you can 
> afford to have around the easier everything will be. Some fine 
> chromatic players will of course disagree with me on this point, it's 
> a fun topic ;-).
>
> Music of all kinds, including Klezmer, is not really that static. 
> There are often subtle key changes within the course of a song. If you 
> learn how to play in every key on a single chromatic, the benefits are 
> very great, and you don't have the confusion of using different 
> tunings for different styles -- the notes are always in the same 
> place, you simply learn to navigate them the best you can. Some things 
> will be more difficult with this approach and some things will be 
> easier -- that's why there is no absolute right or wrong way to go.
>
> I'd also like to mention that "the constant use of the lever" (as Phil 
> puts it) is not a negative thing. The slide is your friend and on a 
> reasonably well-maintained chromatic is not something to avoid. It's 
> there to be used as much as you like and should cause no discomfort, 
> even if you end up doing 90% of a particular song with the button in.
>
> Is learning all the keys on a single chromatic a daunting task? It 
> depends on your approach and how much patience you have. Start with 
> one key, then tackle a second... Over time, it will all get to be a 
> lot easier. You'll be able to play in many contexts and styles because 
> your knowledge of the layout of the chromatic is transferable to all 
> styles, and to some degree even to other instruments. In my opinion, 
> you will end up a far better player and possibly a far better all 
> around musician with this approach.
>
> Hope this helps....
>
> - Slim.
>
> www.SlideManSlim.com