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

[Jerry Deall <jdeall@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

While I agree in essence, that MY preference is not for the faster is better sound, there is a time to let it happen. A few years ago at SPAH someone was giving some of the younger players a hard time for playing too loud and too fast. I stopped to disagree, in that if the kids were enjoying what they did they will continue to play. Reminds me of when I was younger, older folks telling me to turn off that noise (Hendrix, Stones, Doors, etc.) 

So if it's harp and someone is enjoying it, I say let it go. 


Thanks Jerry, 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Rowe" <robertrowe2@xxxxxxx> 
To: "harp-l" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 8:31:22 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