[TPIN] Are Symphony Orchestras Today Too Loud?

[William Graham]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Kurtz" <kurtzph at comcast.net>
To: <tpin at tpin.okcu.edu>
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 4:15 PM
Subject: RE: [TPIN] Are Symphony Orchestras Today Too Loud?


> Rick Price, you jumped into the right topic with the right Paul since
> Paul Randall's also commented on this. I'm not opposed to the orchestras
> themselves playing loud without adding gimmicks. And I think a double or
> triple F should be just that!! I'm just a little concerned that the rock
> generation, which is mine, is forcing the symphonies to ignore the soft.
> I mean, I just recently got the brass recording of Philadelphia,
> Cleveland, and chicago brasses and those guys would rattle your absolute
> gizards!! But, I felt/feel that contrast is losing out to over-all loud
> and the meaning of what the "trumpet" stands for may be getting lost in
> over-all louds!! String bass versus acoustic is the same thing with me,
> of course, liking the latter!
> And, I find myself wondering if one day, chamber orchestras will be
> totally unappreciated. Things like "A Soldier's Tale" will be at the
> tail of the line!
> And again, I always loved to lay waste the clarinet players at times
> sitting in front of me, but understood triple p's as well!
> Paul Kurtz Jacksonville, FL

The problem is that people don't listen to music. They just like to have it 
playing in the background while they drive, or cut their lawn, or talk to 
their date, or do something else.....Usually something that's noisy. So they 
need whatever SPL it takes to overcome whatever else they are doing. This 
pretty well eliminates any subtly that was inherent in the music when it 
left the composer's studio.....It also means that they prefer musicians who 
are seen and not heard.....So, if you can juggle your horn or your 
drumsticks, then you are really sought after by the management.......