Nevertheless the passions, whether violent or not, should never be so expressed as to reach the point of causing disgust; and music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music.
-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
—–
(Being able to taste an interval sure would have made some music classes easier. And I wonder, maybe tasting a bunch of major thirds and minor sixths would be as satisfying as eating. Maybe listening could act as a weight loss system. I could use that right now.)
—–
I found it because Alex Ross found it. (Will I never be the “first finder” I wonder!). But read the composer Jeff Cotton’s thoughts on our audiences and what we need to do to get some less wrinkled faces in those seats. It’s a good read. (Which is nothing near as important as a good reed, but what the heck, it’s still worth your time.)
As Mr. Cotton does admit, a symphony orchestra can’t do exactly what he did. But it’s still good food for thought. I still balk about the “applaud any time you want” thing, but maybe that’s just me! And hey, if someone applauds loudly when I’m beginning one of those frightening English horn solos that start in the basement at pianissimo, those things we so often get for some reason, perhaps I’ll be glad for the distraction. IF, though, I nail the entrance, I’ll just be ticked off!
So this Monday I’ll see what a “gamer audience” is like. Will they applaud at all? Will they want to have some sort of device in hand with buttons to push? Will they wonder if we need their help to know how to play, what direction to turn, what adventure to take, who to kick or shoot? 🙂
I’ve mentioned it before, but since the Merc put up an article about it, I’ll just remind all my gentle readers (and not-so gentle ones too) that Symphony Silicon Valley is playing “Dear Friends: The Music of Final Fantasy” at the Masonic Auditorium on Monday at 7:30.
Full report should follow on Tuesday.
—–
