virtuosity and traditional music

Subject: RE: virtuosity and traDitional music
From: Bert
Date: 10 Mar 07 - 01:06 PM

...brilliant techniques,but their music leaves me cold...

Obviously their technique is not good enough.

The real technique of folk singing (what I claim to do) is to hold and entertain the audience.

However, scholarship and musical ability are also a necessary part of the folk scene. Those who collect and investigate old songs are invaluable, even if they don't perform. As also are those who choose to explore and master their instruments (not me).

Subject: RE: virtuosity and traDitional music
From: bubblyrat
Date: 10 Mar 07 - 01:03 PM

I tend to admire those "folk" musicians who have reached a certain level of competence & skill in their instrumental ( and vocal ) accomplishments . Examples that spring to mind are Martin Carthy, John Kirkpatrick, Martin Simpson,Nancy Kerr, to name just four from a long list of artistes whose playing I really admire and enjoy. I have always assumed that people like these have reached those levels as a result of first becoming interested in folk-music, and then taking up & learning to play,one or more of the instruments associated with that genre. BUT......!! I know,from personal expereience, that there are also many trained musicians who "discover" folk music at some point in their lives, and jolly good luck to them too, but they always sound, whatever they play, "too good " ,if you see what I mean ?? Their playing abilities are usually so good, that it almost sounds patronising ,in a way : I know they can"t help it, but they just don"t sound " ---Well, "right" !!

Subject: virtuosity and traditional music
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Mar 07 - 12:38 PM

How important should showmanship and virtuosity,be in the performance of folk /traditional music.
while it is the natural thing for all musicians/singers to wish to improve their technique,and set themselves goals to achieve,and while it is important to have technique to be able to convey emotion.,technique without emotion[ in my opinion] does not make good music.
In my opinion, Sean Maguire and also Earl Scruggs,are examples of players with brilliant techniques,but their music leaves me cold.
with folk music becoming more commercial,I believe there is a danger,that the cult of the virtuoso, may take over from good musicianship[the ability to convey emotion and feeling].which were the things that attracted me to blues and folk music in the first place.
Iwould be interested in your views.