Anthony, Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you! Sense, decency and mature wisdom
have been reasserted at last. It was great to have your contributions when
you joined this list, and to see you driven off it by rudely expressed
puritanism would have been tragic.
I have avoided making any comment so far, because as a very inadequate
player myself I don't consider myself qualified (I try to do too much else
and don't practice the way I know I should), however I have been very
disturbed to see the embittered sneering in some of the posts on this
subject - both the latest thread and the last time this subject was
discussed.
Of course we know that the Northumbrian pipes are played with a
closed-fingered technique. Of course we all know that "notes coming out like
peas" is an essential part of the NSP sound, and of course the purest Clough
style should be preserved by those few players capable of dedicating their
lives to achieving it - while also playing musically (just as the Free
Presbyterian Church stays true to the Westminster Confession of Faith
against all blandishments of the modern world?). Perhaps pure Clough style
should be required in at least one top-level competition, as long as this is
clearly stated in the rules - BUT for goodness sake let's not allow a clique
at the top of the NSP establishment to insist that the pipes must be played
in no other way. I am increasingly reminded of the solemn old men in tweed
jackets and kilts sitting with their books, judging piobaireachd
competitions. Although there may be a strong case to say this has been
necessary to preserve the tradition, there is perhaps an equally strong case
arguing that they have completely distorted one of the great art-forms of
European music!
Anthony, your mention of Joe Hutton reminds me what a wonderfully
supportive, gentle teacher he was. His welcome as everyone arrived at the
Rothbury weekend course was one of the things we most sadly miss. He
encouraged everyone to play to the best of their ability - and to want to
improve that ability. He remained open, tolerant and creative to the end of
his life. Other people I fear are starting to sound rather old and crabbed.
Philip
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