The use of the article "the" in English is more idiomatic than many
would care to admit. Although it is often used to mean "this specific
one as opposed to any ol' instance of this", its use can be quite
baffling, even to native speakers. The example that comes to mind is the
use of "the" before buildings and organizations. Americans say "I'm
going to the hospital" but British say "I'm going to hospital", similar
to the way Americans say "I'm going to school".
IMHO, the use of "the" in front of musical groups seems to say "this is
THE one, there is no other, and even if there were, WE define what this
group is" e.g., THE Beatles, "THE Dave Brubeck Quartet", "THE Glenn
Miller Orchestra".
my 2c
A-NO-NE Music wrote:
Apology for this OT. This list seems to be the best place I can get the
best answer for this.
My trio's CD is in process. The group name is "Hiro Honshuku and A-NO-
NE Trio". The publisher came back and asking to put "THE" in front of A-
NO-NE Trio. I understand it sounds more natural to native English
speaker, but I always thought it doesn't make sense. You say The Boston
University because Boston and University are not specific enough, but
you don't say The Harvard University because Harvard is specific. Same
with The New England Conservatory. When they abbreviate, NEC, they
don't say The HEC because NEC is specific enough (sorta - once I got a
call for a gig. The person said he was referred me through NEC, and I
thought NEC as in Nihon Electric Company instead!). So, why do I need
"The" for A-NO-NE Trio? I am not really in a position to argue with the
publisher, but I just wanted to understand this.
Another question. What is the publisher sign, (P) next to (C) in front
of the name of the publisher name on commercial CDs mean? Thanks in advance.
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