Re: [MMM] Composers <-> Performers

Chris Bryan wrote:

> it seems to me that one of the biggest weaknesses of a lot of the
> music that gets posted here is that it's midi stuff. Now, I have
> nothing against electronic music, but if it's supposed to sound like
> real instruments, then it's usually better to have real instruments!

True, I'm more into "real" instruments, but MIDI is cheap and easy. I compose stuff using the cheesy MIDI synth built into this computer, but I'd never use it in a performance.

And a lot of hardcore microtonal work you *have* to perform with electronic instruments to get the precise pitches right.

> Why don't we network composers and performers? If we built a list of
> everyone who is willing to play something, maybe we could start to
> write for what's available. Virtual ensembles could be created via
> multi-tracking. Besides the obvious aural results, asking someone to
> invest time into a performance is a great way to get valuable feedback.

I play fretless bass and oud. The former is a defretted Ibanez six-string, and I play progressive rock/metal with jazz, funk, classical and world-music influences. The latter is a basic Egyptian instrument I got from Lark In The Morning; it sounds pretty nice for the price. I've been listening to A LOT of Arabic, Turkish, Greek and Iranian music lately to get my playing style more orthodox. But I have memorized almost all of the maqamat (melodic modes). I use it a great bit as a fretless guitar too, even playing some chords.

I also need to save up for a decent but inexpensive upright bass. I'd like to do some microtonal bluegrass.

~Danny~