On Jun 6, 2011, at 4:09 AM, Edward Mast wrote:
I'm always a bit surprised to see performers of Renaissance music
dressed in period costumes. Why is it common?
It is entertainment (something I didn't learn in music school). My job
is to be a foreigner in an odd costume playing unfamiliar music to an
audience that consists 99% of people who have never seen or heard a
lute. I'm fine with that.
Performers playing Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, etc. don't
typically dress in costumes of the day. Why are Dowland, Dalza ,Lassus
or Dufay, Machaut, etc. different?
It might be because of the Ren faires or just the music being more
accessible to a general audience or the harmonies more rock-like. I'm
not sure why, or if it is really the case. I've seen other performances
in Baroque costumes or quasi-Baroque costumes. I have a Baroque costume
too, but I don't know if I've ever used it for performance. We may have
rented it out a time or two. I would like to use it with the B. guitar
if I could ever get a set of memorized material up and running. I think
Baroque lute repertoire is just too lugubrious for the kind of
entertainment gigs I do here. I see no reason why not though in
different circumstances. I saw Tom Berghan at a LSA seminar a while
back give a wonderful performance in costume with recitations between
the pieces. It worked on so many levels.
I just think it detracts from the timeless quality of Medieval and
Renaissance music, and tries to present the illusion that the performer
is something other than what he or she is: a 21st century musician.
That is probably because you play Renaissance music yourself and expect
the respect for the music that you would give. For people who don't, it
is part of the fantasy/entertainment, like idealized Disney fairy book
characters in Disney's image of what the old ones looked like.
That being said, if I were earning my money playing Renaissance music,
I would probably do what's required to get the gig. Including dressing
in period costume (with a few muttered complaints to myself).
No complaints from me. In fact, if I were judged by my playing alone I
would get more nervous.
But my main response to Ed's performance is 'Bravo'. To play such an
extensive repertory so well and from memory (perhaps with some
improvisation?), is impressive indeed. Congratulations, Ed, and thank
you for posting the video.
I'll say thank you, though I certainly used to play better. I was just
celebrating being back playing again after so long off and the hand
problems and all.
Ed Durbrow
Saitama, Japan
[1]http://www.musicianspage.com/musicians/9688/
[2]http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/
--
References
1. http://www.musicianspage.com/musicians/9688/
2. http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/
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