Anthony, I don't want to add to the rancour - but is it a 'fundamentally' oral tradition? Of course music is dead unless played and heard, but local people, starting with Henry Atkinson 300+ years ago and continuing till the present, have been writing down versions of Northumbrian tunes. The big variation sets largely stable over time, are surely a partially-literate form. They would sound much more like free improvisation if they were passed on aurally/orally.
One feature distinguishing Northumbrian music from other English traditions, is that for many of the tunes we know who composed them. It is seen as important to know that Thomas Todd wrote the Barrington, and that he was a piper, and that it's a piper's display piece. Nobody knows or cares who wrote the Dorset Four Hand Reel, or what it was to be played on. All the best John -----Original Message----- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Anthony Robb Sent: 26 May 2009 23:10 To: Francis Wood Cc: Dartmouth NPS Subject: [NSP] Re: F.a.o. Francis & others Hello Francis I think, bonny lad, you need to see a bit of Armstrong and Miller! And here's me thinking I was being cool and modern..... I have to say, however, I did think there was a tinge of poisoning the wells in some of your postings. As for members of the committee - I don't doubt their skills of administration or their integrity. What seems to be in doubt is their knowledge of the feelings of the full spectrum of Society members and their naivety in voting to exclude members from any say in this matter in the full knowledge that the members will be called upon to ratify their decision. It seems obvious to me that if the ratification process has to take place, a vote for steps to exclude those members is questionable. I'm asking the questions and so far have only received partial answers. I am well aware of Colin's abrasive nature and have disagreed with him over details of the repertoire and other issues, but he is a rare beast in that he understands that we are dealing with a fundamentally oral tradition here. A tradition that needs to be learnt through 90% listening and 10% playing. If the dots are used they need to be informed by true insight into the nuances displayed within the spectrum of traditional players. It seems that this approach is not fully appreciated by all in authority in our Society and that worries quite a few of us. As aye Anthony --- On Tue, 26/5/09, Francis Wood <oatenp...@googlemail.com> wrote: From: Francis Wood <oatenp...@googlemail.com> Subject: Re: [NSP] F.a.o. Francis & others To: "Anthony Robb" <anth...@robbpipes.com> Cc: "Dartmouth NPS" <nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu> Date: Tuesday, 26 May, 2009, 7:54 PM On 26 May 2009, at 16:53, Anthony Robb wrote: > Mmmma| rather harsh Francis. Hello Anthony, I'm not sure I've really tried 'harsh' . . . 'Robust' might do quite well. I'd add 'fair'. We'll probably not agree on that one. Francis P. S. I'll leave it to anyone else to respond point by point to Anthony's mail if they have a mind to do so. I'd advise adherence to known facts, awareness that the issue is not only painful but complex, some regard for the integrity of those people who have already posted thoughtfully and carefully on this subject and above all, due consideration for the welfare of the person this is really all about. May I also reiterate my confidence in the NPS Committee and their decision. I base this on my knowledge of the people serving on the Committee and my admiration of their integrity and administrative abilities. -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html