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

[The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>]

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