Barry, Don't dismiss the value of music theory in Folk and Traditional music. Music Theory applies to 'Folk/Traditional' as well as 'Classical'. When it is considered in a cultural context it is fascinating, and could helps us resolve or discount (to an extent) some of the arguments in Northumbrian piping.
For example..If we are debating 'authenticity' of a song or tune (if indeed that truly exists) we need to recognise the culturally specific elements that point to a people, nation or culture. We also have the 'notated' Peacock Collection. Without some level of musical theory being employed in that publication, this current 'benchmark' of the tradition might not exist. 'This is the tip of the iceberg'.... Basically The less we know about our musical culture the more it is potentially open to misinterpretaion. Cheers Steve D -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: BarrySay <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > Ormston, Chris wrote: > > I'm afraid I glaze over once we get into classical music theory > > my own formal training was limited to being forced to learn 3rd clarinet > > in the junior wind band as an 11 year old - enough to put any young > > musician off for life. As a piper I've relied on me fingers and lugs! > > I played recorder at junior school and got the general idea of notation. > At grammar school they tried to teach us the 'Theory of Music' and I > never quite got it. I tried clarinet but around 14 I was introduced to > the folk revival (1967 ish) and I found loads of stuff which didn't obey > any of the rules I had been taught, and I liked that. > > In the intervening 40 years I have learned enough to be able to discuss > some of the music I am interested in with those who have some formal > training, but as far as I am concerned the music comes first and the > explanations follow afterwards. > > Barry > > > > To get on or off this list see list information at > http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
