Disclaimer first: I've only listened to Travelogue once through, but I won't let that stop me (insert emoticon here).
There is sometimes a fine line between program music and its most base rendering, what is called "Mickey Mousing," most often heard in cartoons in which every action has an equal musical reaction. Obviously, we don't want that here (and I don't think that's what we get). But Joni has always used programmatic elements in her arrangements and orchestrations, like the example you gave of her original version of "Trouble Child" in conjunction with the line "breaking like the waves at Malibu." I dig Mendoza's version of this, as I do his rendition of the bombers "turning into butterflies above our nation." Being a painter at heart, she sees music as just another set of colors, which, of course, it is. I'm absolutely sure that Mendoza took no license he wasn't issued. Fred In a message dated 11/26/02 4:49:31 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: >Thanks, Fred. The other day you hinted that you think >Mister Mendoza did some interesting things for >TRAVELOGUE. Others have problems with the 'liscence' >he took, creating "program music" rather than a >reserved supporting score, implying that he created >something akin to incidental music in a movie score >(like using a slide whistle when Oliver and Hardy are >doing slap stick). When you're ready, I'm keenly >interested to know how this shakes down, in your >brain, over time. > >Lama > > >--- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> "Jim L'Hommedieu \(Lama\)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> writes: >> >> >In literature when an author gives human >> characteristics to an animal, >> >it's called anthropomorphism. Does anyone have a >> word for using instruments >> >to give sound to a thought? >> >> Yes, it's called "program [or 'programme'] music" -- >> music that tells a story >> or paints a picture -- as opposed to "absolute >> music" -- music written purely >> for its musical value. >> >> -Fred
