Re: [MMM] The XenoMeters

>
>
> Fascinating. Now with this musical scenario, was the difficulty from
> the irregular pulses, or was it the cycle in itself?
>
> If the latter, do you find that the more remote a rhythmic cycle is
> from a 2 based cycle, it becomes more difficult to play?
>
> Like - would you say that 13 is more difficult than 17?
>
> Just curious,
>
> Jacky

Feral one,

For me, any meter is easy, as long as whatever the part is makes sense
melodically. By that I mean, If there is a loop or repeating figure, I just
keep that in my mind, or sing along with the part (inaudible) as I play. No
matter what the meter/s, I'm on track because I'm listening to the structure
melodically, not just counting combo's of 2 and 3, which is a kind of
crutch, and leads many composers to (imho) stilted odd time music. Zappa is
a good for instance. Whether its 19/16 or 7/8, Zappa always had his odd time
broken down into those 2 and 3 combos. It all starts to sound the same to me
after awhile. Dave Holland does this alot, although I forgive him because he
is such a beautiful person, and not a shabby composer.

Get out yer manuscript paper, and dig this.

1 an 2 an 3 4 e an ah 5 6 7
Q. Q.
C C r dotted r
A A e 1/8 e
s rest G s
t F t
E

This is a bass part in 7/4. Once you get the "song" or "melody" of it, its
easy to know where you are, and feel comfortable. The quarter rest at the
end of this ex. is important, becauseto me, its like the gong tone in a
gamelan balungan.

Doo doo daa daa da-boom boom (gong) Rinse,
lather, repeat.
1 an 2 an 3, 4 e an ah 5 6 7

For me, that 7 is like a one. I can throw down there, the absence is so
strong.

I'm glad I found a more painful way to notate than normal western practice.
Everybody should learn Indonesian cipher and get on with it. IMHO.

I could write a book about rhythm here, but then everyone would quit the
list.

Viva tenacity!

George

George Zelenz wrote:

>
> I could write a book about rhythm here, but then everyone would quit
> the
> list.
>
> Viva tenacity!
>
> George

I wouldn't. We need more of this.

Regards.

>