minstrel: Re: minstrel- Periodness of

[CAB]

                      RE>>minstrel: Periodness of Performing Ar    9/29/98


Date: 9/28/98 10:06 PM
To: CAB
From: barbara at mail.topher.net
Crystal wrote:
<Big Snip>
As for music, as back ground noise it is very much appreciated, but  again
they would rather hear a rendition of a Cheiftans song than a  Morley when it
comes to solo entertainment.

Do any of you think there is a way to change that?  I am not saying  that I
dont' want to hear the new works by the excellent tallent that  we have in the
SCA; it would be a shame to not hear an Ulf poem or a  story from Robin.  But
can we better incorporate the period material  into the bardic fire to help
the audience come to understand it and  appreciate as it deserves.

Alys D.
--------------------------------------
Well, I live in Ansteorra too, I would say that the way to change the amount
of period pieces performed would be two fold.

1) Help other bards get/learn period pieces.  - I would love to do more period
pieces, but I find it really hard to find/learn them.  - If you have any
period songs that you would be willing to teach me the tune and give me a copy
of the words, I would love to perform them (what events will you be going
to... where do you live.... etc). I think that this is one of the main reasons
that I think many bards don't perform period pieces.  I think that many times,
it is just easier to find a Cheiftains tape then to spend the time begging and
searching for period material.  Personally, I would like to see some bardic
"classes" at events where we are learning period music, not talking about
music theory, etc.  But "learning" period pieces.

2) Then, I think the other side is this.  I don't think that SCA audiences
really prefer to hear new works.   I have heard repeatedly the idea, that the
average modern audience can't appretiate period material.  I just don't
believe this. I personally think that audiences like to be entertained.  If
you can entertain them with period pieces, they will be just as happy as if
you entertain them with other pieces.   However, I think sometimes we as bards
fail to entertain audiences with period pieces for a number of reasons.  1)
the piece isn't well prepared, 2) the piece needs moderate modification to fit
the setting (ex shorten it some, split it into more than one piece, etc)  3)
the piece is not appropriate to the atmosphere that has been set up.  Ex: if
you are in a circle that is hard into "drinking" sing-alongs, and you want to
come in with a slow/sad period piece, you will not be very successful. But if
you come in with an upbeat period piece that carries on the mood that is
already set, you will be very successful.

Crystal




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