Lest we consider this kind of "noise" unique to our generation, consider the following entry from around this day in 1664 by our dear friend Mr Pepys:
"So to the Coffeehouse, and there fell in discourse with the Secretary of the Virtuosi of Gresham College, and had very fine discourse with him. He tells me of a new invented instrument to be tried before the College anon, and I intend to see it. ... Thence to the Musique-meeting at the Postoffice, where I was once before. And thither anon come all the Gresham College, and a great deal of noble company: and the new instrument was brought called the Arched Viall, where being tuned with lute-strings, and played on with kees like an organ, a piece of parchment is always kept moving; and the strings, which by the kees are pressed down upon it, are grated in imitation of a bow, by the parchment; and so it is intended to resemble several vyalls played on with one bow, but so basely and harshly, that it will never do. But after three hoursÂ’ stay it could not be fixed in tune; and so they were fain to go to some other musique of instruments, which I am grown quite out of love with ..." Perhaps we are fortunate for a polyfoam of only seven minutes? .. mark To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
