How very true.
Just think of how many films portray concertinas played by sailors (pre
1829/30).
It's important to differentiate between the various "historical
re-enactments" and to what, exactly, they are for.
Personally (and it's not something I'm involved in), I'm far more interested
in the costumes and music, rather than the instruments themselves - within
reason of course.
That are, and always will be, those who will pick up on every slightest
"flaw" but, often, there has to be a compromise. Eating chicken instead of
peacock, for instance (very popular in Tudor times) and, having seen them
made, many foods of "historical accuracy" wouldn't make it past my door.
Nor would I fancy drinking water containing Typhus.
We need a little "artistic licence" and need to be as accurate as is
possible (possible being the operative word).
The main thing is no know where we are making the compromise so we can say
"well, this instrument wasn't invented until Cxyz but I can't play the
serpent".
Colin Hill
----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 3:53 AM
Subject: RE: [HG] A passionate newbie full of questions
" To many Montcalm ( or Wolfe ) can ruin an event "
My excuses to HG players , this is about the first occasion I have
to discuss with another historical reenactor on the subject of the
presence
of HG in America before the XX th cent. I hope it will not be boring .
There is often a difference in the way reenactors of medieval/
renaissance
period and reenactors of XVII/XVIII th vent. see their hobby .
To make things worse , some XVII /XVIII th reenactors , mostly
people
of french anf american indian ancestry sometime get the occasion to
re-enact
their own culture in the historical location , something we are very
proud of ,
and maybe to proud at times ?
The fun of historical reenactment starts with the research ,
walking around in funny clothes come after.
So far nobody can forbid you to play whatever instrument you like ,
unless if
you are working in a museum or historical site .... and even then , some
sites
administrators would be very happy to have you as long you play for free
.
There is a difference between an historical site and a theme park or
a renfair.
From: "Marsbar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [HG] A passionate newbie full of questions
Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 08:04:27 +1000
Well actually there was one lady early this year who is building a HG to
go
busking at a renaissance faire. I don't think she has raised her voice
again after being blasted into the renaissance era or at least the
fifteenth
century by the anti kit sentiment.
As for entertainment. You can still learn historical stuff by being
entertained. There is no historical reason why there could not have been
a
hurdy gurdy or two in America in the time of the French and Indian wars.
In
fact there is one documented as you state. Does this mean that only one
person (using French costume) in the entire continent is allowed to use a
hurdy gurdy in reenactments?
Fi
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf
Of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Oh ! , I guess you are involved in entertainement more than in
historical research . For the F&I period ( seven years war in America for
our europeans friends ) there is but a single documented presence of a HG
,
in Louisbourg , Acadia . ( today Nova Scotia ) .
The previous one is related in the 1632 Relations des Jésuites.
There are harpsichord kits available , so there are no technical
reason for the absence of HG kits , but a huge économical and social one
..... nobody yet bought and assembled a harpsichord kit to go busking at
a
" Ren Fair " .
