August 2007

Hello friends,

It has been a while since I wrote about music. One thing I like about music in Toronto is the strong feeling of historic continuity. From English and Irish folk songs to country, jazz, rock and rap. From choral and symphonic to movie soundtracks. There is a claim that western music evolved first by simplifying melodies into forms like Gregorian chants. Only after melodies became simple harmony could develop, to highlights such as Spem in Alium (watch the score). Harmonic music requires from each player concentration, cooperation, listening, and patience, which are central values in western culture. Most Americans get some musical education and to some extent it is reflected in the quality of their work.

On the other hand, there are some signs of retreat. Recently I saw a book in a music store where they sell the flute part and provide a key for downloading the piano part. The implicit assumption is that unless forced, pianists prefer to play alone, so chances are the flutist will never need the piano part. The other problems are with recordings. First, there are these music genres that sound like being run over by a train. Secondly, many people are getting accustomed to the idea that making music means pressing the “play” button. There was a CD’s store in Toronto, “Sam the record man”, that was so good that every time I walked in that street I returned home with a couple of CD’s I knew I would never find anywhere else. It closed this year, partly due to internet downloads. The internet definitely helped to spread music. For example, U of T students have free access to the naxos music library. The problem with “computer music” is the sound quality. It falls short compared to live instruments, like the flute.

The flute is one of the easiest instruments to play. Even a five-year old kid can do it (check the movies of his sister). Even a Robot. Flute repertoire ranges from classical to modern (Claire Marchand). Most flutes are made the traditional way. There are some modern designs, for example vertical flute or the glissando headjoint. In fact there is whole flutes family. Now that you got some idea about the instrument, hold your breath to a demonstration of circular breathing.  

There are levels to musical involvement, which go from composing down to improvising, conducting, playing, singing, listening, and writing about music. So after writing this long introduction, I invite you to watch my latest concert with the Hart House singers (the flutes play at the beginning and end). For obvious reasons, admission was free.  


Ady.