Neil/Partch/Yuck!

Neil,

I think most people would agree that life is way, way, WAY too short to
spend time listening to music you don't like! Genius, no-genius -- doesn't
matter: just go on to the next tune...

Even having played in the Ensemble for years, it still surprised even me how
much people at the concerts *did* like the Partch works -- I actually always
expected more listeners to be at least uncomfortable. Didn't happen, and I
can't say that with most of the contemporary stuff I've played. Though it
may not happen for you, I will say that a key factor has to be a live
performance. Seems like after that people can return to recordings more easily.

No matter, though. There's more good music out there (some yet to be
written/played/improvised) than you or I will have time to hear. BTW, is
Muddy Waters OK in your book?

Cheers,
Jon
*--------------------------------------------------------------------*
Jonathan M. Szanto | Come visit Corporeal Meadows . . . . . . .
Backbeats & Interrupts | . . . . . . . . . our little Partch tribute.
jszanto@adnc.com | http://www.adnc.com/web/jszanto/welcome.html
*--------------------------------------------------------------------*


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It would certainly be interesting to present the curriculum you outlined and
see what results appear. Perhaps the materials and their order might be
rearranged based on age levels. Also, a list of listening materials that
correspond to each and every lesson might be adviseable.

Most important is the real time singing of intervals, perhaps a new
interval each and every lesson. Further lessons would allow for review.
Playing and composing need not be excluded as higher level skills: tunes
and harmonies experienced all would have more emotional impact.
Emotional memory is supposed to be the strongest form of memory we have.

Johnny Reinhard
Director
American Festival of Microtonal Music
318 East 70th Street, Suite 5FW
New York, New York 10021 USA
(212)517-3550/fax (212) 517-5495
reinhard@ios.com


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