On 21 May 2011, Richard Shuttleworth wrote: > > I say "poor old Inky" even though I have never met the man. Friends of mine > who have had that pleasure report their encounters in glowing terms, he must > be a really nice person. Unfortunately, his contributions to this column > don't seem to reflect that. It saddens me to see the mean-spirited way in > which some members of this list express their feelings.
Adrian is one of the most helpful, generous with his time, and gentlest people that I know. He is an excellent teacher, and what he says in the workshop sessions that I've had the good fortune to be in has made eminent sense, and has been universally well received. He has thought through everything that he recommends, and his playing well justifies the approach. He is also a skilled fettler with an acute ear. I think my observation would be that he rarely does himself justice in print - it is not his natural medium of expression, perhaps. I first found this in the preparation of the first Billy Pigg book, where it rapidly became obvious that his notes needed the services of an editor - that job fell to me. His (and Colin's) generosity with their expertise and time in that project alone have left me with a lasting and profound respect for both of them, which transcends any apparent shortcomings in communication. We all have our bad days. I could frequently do a splendid grumpy old woman act on this list if I wanted (I have, occasionally). Adrian has views to which he is entitled, as does Anthony. As are all of us. Alice is a very competent young player who has demonstrated that she is capable of the sort of playing of which Adrian is a principal protagonist. I've heard her. (I don't know her competition record exactly, but she certainly became the youngest player to win the NPS Open class - I was there, I came a poor second). If she now chooses to play at virtuoso standard in a different style, then she is fully entitled to do that - she has earned her place. Welcome to the list, Alice, if you're reading this. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
