The need for amplification obviously depends on the venue. The Stables is a theatre, a space where people assemble not to talk, but to listen. The bar is in the foyer at some distance. In a pub the music seems to be just background to chatter, so in order to rise above the noise amplificatrion is necessary. I do not like to play in such places. Michael
On Aug 9, 8:59 pm, "michael" <[email protected]> wrote: > Le Vent du Nord > The Stables, Wavenden. UK. 23rd July 2009 > > This group of young Quebecois takes pleasure in presenting the traditional > music of their childhood in an interesting programme. The line up is > hurdy-gurdy/piano, two guitar/vocalists, and a violinist, who has a > remarkable line in foot rhythms which provided an unobtrusive accompaniment. > Perhaps if he had stood up we might have seen a display of tap dancing! > The first half was mostly ensemble dance tunes and the odd vocal item, all > performed with élan and vigour. More songs were presented in the second > half and these were varied, some being humorous, others narrative, and > usually single lines with instrumental accompaniment. I was not alone in > wishing there had been song sheets or that the performers had taken more > time to outline the content of each song. This would have taken up the time > of only one item but would have greatly added to our pleasure and > understanding. There was a good balance between guitars and voice, avoiding > the common sin of the voice being covered by the guitar. It was > disappointing that there was no hurdy-gurdy solo. > The players spoke up well, but a bit too fast, especially considering > their French accents which blurred their otherwise excellent English. There > were a few people who had some knowledge of French but on the whole French > is Greek to the English, and probably the denizens of most other countries, > too. Presentation was good and straightforward with smooth continuity. > > But I always ask myself why, oh why, do these groups insist on > amplification? The level set was bearable but constant, and tiring after a > while. From time to time the ear requires a rest from noise. The sensitive > ear also welcomes variation and I, for one, would have welcomed more > variety: variety of tone colour, of volume, of key, of mode, of pitch, of > tempo, of rhythm; contrast of solo and ensemble; major/minor; > vigorous/expressive, to keep us guessing what might come next, and yet spun > with a logical continuity. With this ensemble all this could be done, and > would make, to my mind, a more interesting experience, while a female voice > would add a pleasant counterpoint. > This modern hall is small and intimate, with scarcely more than twelve > rows of seats plus some side balconies holding perhaps as many again – 200 > in all. It is an intimate space with, I think, good acoustics, and certainly > there was no need for amplification, for plays are regularly presented > there. Each one of these instruments would have been easily heard on its > own, which is what they were designed to do. Is it supposed that we are deaf > or that we only register when shouted at? Loud sounds are all very well, but > we need calm from time to time. > If these first-rate musicians were to recreate the homely atmosphere in > which they learned these songs, would the audience listen, or do they take > pleasure only in excitement? > Despite these reservations the performance was an enjoyable one and we > left with the pleasure of having had contact with the French-Canadian folk > tradition, though we missed much of the humour because of our linguistic > limitations. > Michael Muskett --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "hurdygurdy" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/hurdygurdy The rules of posting, courtesy, and other list information may be found at http://hurdygurdy.com/mailinglist/index.htm. To reduce spam, posts from new subscribers are held pending approval by the webmaster. -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
