In a recent thread there was some confusion caused by the fact that videos of young musicians were being published on ComhaltasLive many (OK quite a few) years after they had been recorded. One particular wee doe eyed lassie is probably married and has whistling offspring of her own by now
This made me realise that most ComhaltasLive videos have little chronological information other than the date on which the clip is posted on the site. It is a matter of chance whether one can deduce the date of the recording by an oblique reference to the player having won/participated in a fleadh/concert/other gathering in a particular year.
So. What is the aim of the CCE site? Is it simply for entertainment or is it meant to be a form of archive which will exist forever (or at least until the oil runs out and we have no electricity to switch on our computers)? If it is the latter, should there not be a conscious effort to provide basic archival information such as the date of the recording, names of the players and the names of the tunes.
The players' names are usually provided, and viewers generally, although not invariably, chip in with, or to correct, tune names. Knowledge of the recording date lies in the hands of a select few and can't be added by outsiders.
The early Michael Coleman 78's had their dates and serial numbers scratched on the shellac. If these video clips are the Noughties equivalent shouldn't the future 2108 generation be given at least as much basic information?
But wasn't it nice to see some of this week's releases recorded against a scenic backdrop? In some of the others I am in a constant state of tension waiting for the toilet doors, reflected in the background mirrors, to open and disgorge their occupants mid-tune. At least the 2108 viewers will be able to see what 2008 electricity sockets looked like
to say, "Why, you're very welcome," when those of us who weren't raised under a moldy rock somewhere thank them for making these videos and this music available to all comers.
Hmmm, let's turn it around, what does it do for me? It entertains, it educates, it inspires, it challenges, it widens my perspecitve ~ it gives me hope...mostly... Some rare things do irritate the hell out of me, but I don't think that's a bad thing... That too is entertainment, education and challenge ~ and welcomed...
For those of you doing the graft behind the scenes, if you stumble here ~ Go raibh mile ma'agat!!!
Usually I find there is a detail in the commentary stating at what event (and year) that the recording was made, even if it was 3 or 4 years ago, so I don't generally have a problem dating particular recordings.
I download the audio if there is a particularly nice version of a tune I have been meaning to learn. I prefer to have 3 or 4 recordings of a tune to listen to when I set about learning it, to see how different people use ornamentation or play with the basic melody. I generally tune in to the recordings every week or so.
As far as the role of ComhaltasLive, we've always envisioned it both as entertainment and as a sort of archive. It can sometimes be hard to find good music around the place, so we figured we'd do something to bring the music to those who might be interested .... Though the original concept was as a weekly broadcast, I've been thinking of it more as a growing archive. And you're right - I should have included "Recording Date" explicitly on the page somewhere. As it happens, I don't have most of those dates, though I suspect that Willie Fogarty the videographer could probably look up most of it. But I'll do my best to include recording date in future programmes.
In the early days, I think that the ComhaltasLive concept came out of the programming for RTÉ here in Ireland -- there was concern expressed that the more commercial artists were being well-represented in media (at least in Irish media), but that the amateurs and the students weren't. So the idea was that if we could showcase some of the absolutely amazing playing that's taking place out there every day, that we'd be able to promote the tradition itself while providing pleasure to all of the many adherents around the world. Of course, the first idea was to create a TV station with 24-hour trad programming. But then we figured that the Internet might be more economical.
Anyway, feel free to write if you have any suggestions about the programmes. About the backdrops, I know .... but it can be surprisingly hard to find a quiet corner with room to set up a couple of lights!
You've succeeded ~ 'entertainment', 'archive' ~ and an education in appreciation and beyond ~ to "bring the music to those who might be interested" ~ and more ~ to raise interest in those with little or none... It is a process that hasn't stagnated, it has evolved and I've seen that ~ changes for the better. I suspect, with those who have it in hand, that will continue. That you show interest in what others have to say, critical or otherwise, speaks well for its future.
I regularly send listeners your way, beginners, the uninitiated, all sorts... It is a resource I value, much appreciated...
What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
In a recent thread there was some confusion caused by the fact that videos of young musicians were being published on ComhaltasLive many (OK quite a few) years after they had been recorded. One particular wee doe eyed lassie is probably married and has whistling offspring of her own by now
This made me realise that most ComhaltasLive videos have little chronological information other than the date on which the clip is posted on the site. It is a matter of chance whether one can deduce the date of the recording by an oblique reference to the player having won/participated in a fleadh/concert/other gathering in a particular year.
So. What is the aim of the CCE site? Is it simply for entertainment or is it meant to be a form of archive which will exist forever (or at least until the oil runs out and we have no electricity to switch on our computers)? If it is the latter, should there not be a conscious effort to provide basic archival information such as the date of the recording, names of the players and the names of the tunes.
The players' names are usually provided, and viewers generally, although not invariably, chip in with, or to correct, tune names. Knowledge of the recording date lies in the hands of a select few and can't be added by outsiders.
The early Michael Coleman 78's had their dates and serial numbers scratched on the shellac. If these video clips are the Noughties equivalent shouldn't the future 2108 generation be given at least as much basic information?
But wasn't it nice to see some of this week's releases recorded against a scenic backdrop? In some of the others I am in a constant state of tension waiting for the toilet doors, reflected in the background mirrors, to open and disgorge their occupants mid-tune. At least the 2108 viewers will be able to see what 2008 electricity sockets looked like
# Posted on July 31st 2008 by deeor
Re: What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
Any shortcomings notwithstanding, I get my full money's worth from Comhaltas Live, God bless them.
# Posted on July 31st 2008 by grego
Re: What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
[What is the role of ComhaltasLive?]
to say, "Why, you're very welcome," when those of us who weren't raised under a moldy rock somewhere thank them for making these videos and this music available to all comers.
# Posted on August 1st 2008 by ceemonster
Re: What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
Hmmm, let's turn it around, what does it do for me? It entertains, it educates, it inspires, it challenges, it widens my perspecitve ~ it gives me hope...mostly... Some rare things do irritate the hell out of me, but I don't think that's a bad thing... That too is entertainment, education and challenge ~ and welcomed...
For those of you doing the graft behind the scenes, if you stumble here ~ Go raibh mile ma'agat!!!
# Posted on August 1st 2008 by ceolachan
Re: What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
I could not agree more with ceolachan, but I do think it would be a a good idea to put some kind of date stamp on the recording.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by sligofan
Re: What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
Usually I find there is a detail in the commentary stating at what event (and year) that the recording was made, even if it was 3 or 4 years ago, so I don't generally have a problem dating particular recordings.
I download the audio if there is a particularly nice version of a tune I have been meaning to learn. I prefer to have 3 or 4 recordings of a tune to listen to when I set about learning it, to see how different people use ornamentation or play with the basic melody. I generally tune in to the recordings every week or so.
# Posted on August 4th 2008 by southsider
Re: What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
As far as the role of ComhaltasLive, we've always envisioned it both as entertainment and as a sort of archive. It can sometimes be hard to find good music around the place, so we figured we'd do something to bring the music to those who might be interested .... Though the original concept was as a weekly broadcast, I've been thinking of it more as a growing archive. And you're right - I should have included "Recording Date" explicitly on the page somewhere. As it happens, I don't have most of those dates, though I suspect that Willie Fogarty the videographer could probably look up most of it. But I'll do my best to include recording date in future programmes.
In the early days, I think that the ComhaltasLive concept came out of the programming for RTÉ here in Ireland -- there was concern expressed that the more commercial artists were being well-represented in media (at least in Irish media), but that the amateurs and the students weren't. So the idea was that if we could showcase some of the absolutely amazing playing that's taking place out there every day, that we'd be able to promote the tradition itself while providing pleasure to all of the many adherents around the world. Of course, the first idea was to create a TV station with 24-hour trad programming. But then we figured that the Internet might be more economical.
Anyway, feel free to write if you have any suggestions about the programmes. About the backdrops, I know .... but it can be surprisingly hard to find a quiet corner with room to set up a couple of lights!
Cheers.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by b
Re: What is the role of ComhaltasLive?
You've succeeded ~ 'entertainment', 'archive' ~ and an education in appreciation and beyond ~ to "bring the music to those who might be interested" ~ and more ~ to raise interest in those with little or none... It is a process that hasn't stagnated, it has evolved and I've seen that ~ changes for the better. I suspect, with those who have it in hand, that will continue. That you show interest in what others have to say, critical or otherwise, speaks well for its future.
I regularly send listeners your way, beginners, the uninitiated, all sorts... It is a resource I value, much appreciated...
Go raibh mile ma'agat!!!
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by ceolachan