music

[John Bertotti]

So here is a real newb question. I was wondering if any group ever plays a song but with the instruments playing in different keys? How would that sound, disjointed or kinda like a complex chord? Just curious if this is a valid technique and why it may or may not work. Thanks john http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Jim Garber]

I remember hanging with the Horseflies (from Ithaca, NY) -- an avant-old time band -- an we fooled around with playing in about 3 keys simultaneously. Pretty strange but fun with enough beer or other mind altering medications.

Not something you want to do in public too much.

Jim

[John Bertotti]

Thanks Jim, I have been wondering a lot about this lately. I don't understand music enough to attempt it yet. I think that there is a whole new realm waiting in this thought. I would love to see someone like Victor tackle a piece in this vein. I think something haunting and gothic. Mandolin, Mandola, deep bass to name a few instruments. Anyone have any other experience with this concept? John

[Dolamon]

Well - In a slightly different venue, Leonard Bernstein did it several times in various concerts in New York. I think he worked with some Charles Ives, John Barbor, and some Schoenburg things. I've heard them all once, it isn't something you want to dance to.

This can verge on Chaos but, some jazz players attempt this as 'part' of a tune or set (Association for the Advancement of Creative Music, AACM with Malachi Favours and Joseph Jarman etc.) were really big on this back in the sixties but - again - if it drives the audience out, who is paying for the rental of the theatre?

If you want to hear what this sounds like - look up Anthony 'Little son' Braxton, Terry Riley or something even closer to home, Darol Anger and the American Fiddle Ensemble. That last group is worth looking into and - Mike Marshall often performs with them.

[mandroid]

There are arraingements where the key modulates from one to another during the tune , but every one is in each key as it changes. ..all aboard.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[Michael H Geimer]

" ... it isn't something you want to dance to. "

True. But Stravinsky used multiple keys simultaneously in his avnte-grade ballets. I suppose that would have to count as dance music, eh? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I love how Igor often set the 'musical dialog' for Petrushka himself in dissonant tones, or would score the lines in harsh contrast to the surrounding elements. It really drives home just how bitter, and mean-spirited that little puttet really is!

For the record ... Igor is probably my overall musical hero.

[GVD]

We try this every year at Winfield right about sunrise. Unintentionally of course. It's kind of natures way of telling you to go to sleep. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

GVD