As most people have already said, the written note is most useful, does show the pitch of the note and its duration, and is one of the best ways of preserving compositions for future generations. However so much more is not conveyed. I know that the discussion is mainly related to folk music and NSP in particular, nevertheless I would like to quote an example which I feel is pertinent. Recently, 12 good pianists gave an informal recital of the preludes and fugues from the "Well-tempered Klavier" by J.S. Bach. During 9 of the pieces the audience was yawning, looking at their watch and staring out of the window - bored stiff, anxious to get to lunch and longing for the program to finish ! But when 3 of the pianists were performing, Bach suddenly came alive. It was the most wonderful music we had ever heard! Everyone's attention was rivetted to these beautiful sounds, interesting inner voices and exciting interplay of parts It really brought home to the audience how much is needed in addition to "just playing the written notes". Of course, how to develop this skill is another matter. Sheila
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