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From: Douglas Tate
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 14:27:45 +0100
Subject: Amplified

Yesterday I ended up a post with:::
##########
>>..... when I say the harp has the widest range of sound and expression of
any non electronic instrument. and the electronic instrument sound is pretty
poor even though it has variety, it's dead.

Douglas T <-------------- that's me!
#################

Hugh takes exception thusly

##################
Now hang on. Are you saying that *amplified* harp is dead, or that
electronic (synth) imitations are dead?

If you are talking about amplified harp, I'm gonna have to testify again,
and it won't be pretty. Don't make me do it, Douglas T.

Oh no, here it comes ...

CAN I GET A WITNESS?????
##################

Hugh, I think it is time you took refresher lessons in English... how long
is it since you left our shores???

An amplified instrument is not necessarily an electronic instrument.
A harp is not an electronic instrument

with me so far??

the harp has the widest range of sound and expression of any
non electronic instrument

Thought that was snappy and to the point.

the electronic instrument sound is pretty poor even though it has
variety, it's dead.

Remember, harp is not electronic instrument.????
Therefor this does not refer to the harp but electronic instruments

NOW, if we are talking amplified harp, which I wasn't, I have no issue with you.
And, if we are speaking European English, I wouldn't want issue with you!!

In my Humble Untutored Opinion the combination of subtle amplification
(subtle as in superbly controlled at whatever level of volume, tone
settings, effects settings etc you the player desire) and the harp is
unbeatable. The variety here is enhanced beyond the base sound. (I would
argue that almost any amplification loses something, but advancing
techniques mean that this is less and less the case. In any event the aim is
to ~create~ a different sound)

The fact that I don't like to ~use ~ amplification has nothing to do with my
appreciation of what it can do for those who ~do~ want to use it. I
personally want my audience to experience the raw hell I'm going through.
They were foolish enough to pay, let them suffer the consequences.

The above is a trap. A similar one is assuming that just because I rabbit
on about Classical music the whole time I have no liking for the 'other'
worlds of music out there. Not true, lack of long term experience to know
the subtlety of each one, but a wide ranging listening experience. You
cannot tell from my calm demeanour that this is so.

Finally
Hugh mentions, in a different post a single piece of advice.

Always one of my first lessons when I teach. "Eat it"

Why am I uneasily pleased that I don't understand?

Douglas T