I wonder what people think are the most and least expressive instruments (in the right hands).
I think I might go for the Uilien pipes (spelling?) as most expressive. You can almost hear them talk, all the vowel sounds and short consonents. I won't say what I think's least expressive for fear of offending (least not yet!).
Any other thoughts?
This is the same posting as the "what is the most difficult"
And the answer is the same "It depends whose playing."
There is a lot of nonsence talked about instruments on this web site. Some being easier, better, harder, more rewarding etc.
It really doesn't matter.
I can say I hate the English concertina. Any instrument that all you have to do is press a button to get a note must be rubbish. Simple argument. but I'd be wrong.
"Flute, because you can feel the heart beat through the breath"?
You can feel your heart beat through your fiddle bowing arm. Heck, you could probably feel it through the plectrum on the banjo.
well said michael.
But, the bit about E concertina? mmm not sure. I like them. They are a bit more mechanical sounding, but Ive recently heard alot of good stuff on them. It all depends on the player!
My unthinking automatic answer to this one would be "the cello" (of course!), but that's being much too parochial, and I agree with michael, on all points.
Yes Michael, it's an opinion thing, that's what makes it interesting, hearing other peoples opinions and why. Every instrument has some theoretical limit to expression and its interesting to hear what people like about the sounds made by them when played by the most expert of us.
Despite being a fiddle player and thinking it is the most expressive of instruments and being totally biased, I really think that the human voice is the most expressive and emotive of instruments possible.
Expressiveness is measured through the player and the instrument. Yes, it can be called a matter of opinion. But, let's look at it from a scientific aspect. An instrument that has the ability for many dynamics would be called an expressive instrument. One with less dynamics could be called less expressive. However, some players play more expressively than others. Also consider that a/an player/instrument can express themselves/itself in different ways. Each instrument ultimately has the ability to be expressed in its own way. How a player expresses themselves, is through their instrument.
Yeah yeah yeah. "From a scientific point of view"??
I thought it was art we were talking about.
And how come Kenn in his orriginal posting likes the pipes, when they have no dynamic range at all?
I agree with Caraaz - it's the human voice. But maybe we should exclude that from the category, as it's a case apart. After all, one of the things that leads an instrument (or someone's playing) to be described as expressive, is that it resembles a voice somehow. (See Kenn's first post).
I think the pipes are fanstastically expressive in the right hands, whatever their technical limitations - and also that they have a large range, if you go from the lowest drone to the highest chanter notes, not forgetting the squeaks as well...
Take a pill, Michael. The pipes have quite the dynamic range when played correctly. Art and science go hand in hand. Ever heard of the Academy of Arts and Sciences?
Dynamic range has only a tiny bit to do with expression. Held and cut notes, grace notes, speed, "swing," etc. have more to do with it in my mind.
As some guy on a poster on my wall said, "Piano playing is much more difficult than statesmanship. It is harder to wake emotions in ivory keys than in a human being."
If you can tell me who said that you get a coupon for a free cookie, redeemable at your local mall.... but don't forget a dollar for the cookie.
As it's true that the most expressive instrument is the human voice, then it follows that the most expressive-sounding musical instrument would be that which is closest to the the voice---fiddle, viola or cello. Obviously if you have not mastered your instrument, you will not be able to use the huge dynamic range and expressive potential of the instrument----it still amazes me how it's possible to make a note swell and disappear to almost a whisper (not that I don't struggle to make those sounds...)
To say that the human voice is the most expressive instrument is perhaps the most obvious answer to this question. The fact that it is the one instrument which is common to just about every musical style and tradition says something to suggest that. But many people, for whatever reason, psychological or physiological, find the voice an inadequate means of expression. Perhaps this is why some people are drawn irresistibly to playing music, or to a particular instrument. For many great players, playing an instrument is almost a substitiute for vocal expression.
This 'expressive' is a very interesting question. Everyone who has replied to it seems to interpret 'expressive' as 'expressive of emotion', or as the ability to convey the inner feelings of the player.
I'd like to put forward a couple of other 'most expressive instrument' contenders...
Most expressive of excitement: Fiddle
The most expressive of amusement: The Jews Harp (listen to the Wright Brothers 'Maid Behind The Bar' on Paddy In The Smoke).
The most expressive of contempt: The 'Pen' of of the admirably thick skinned Michael Gill.
claudine's thought on the flute was lovely. But I think any instrument can be the most expressive if it in teh hands of someone who really loves it, and loves the music and sound it produces. All instruments are different and reflect the person playing them. That's the beautiful thing about music. You can talk without talking.
Helen, that's probably why Ian Carr chooses to play the guitar rather than sing - his voice (in the physiological sense of the word) would be utterly useless at conveying all those bizarre musical sounds which he coaxes out of his guitar.
Maybe I should explain that my comment about the flute was rather meant as a joke. I do believe that the most expressive instrument is the instrument which is played by the most expressive player. But as flute is my personal favourite, I thought I could try to influence folks a bit
Most expressive instruments
Most expressive instruments
I wonder what people think are the most and least expressive instruments (in the right hands).
I think I might go for the Uilien pipes (spelling?) as most expressive. You can almost hear them talk, all the vowel sounds and short consonents. I won't say what I think's least expressive for fear of offending (least not yet!).
Any other thoughts?
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by Kenn
Re: Most expressive instruments
Flute, of course. You can feel the heartbeat of the player through his breath.
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by claudine
Re: Most expressive instruments
This is the same posting as the "what is the most difficult"
And the answer is the same "It depends whose playing."
There is a lot of nonsence talked about instruments on this web site. Some being easier, better, harder, more rewarding etc.
It really doesn't matter.
I can say I hate the English concertina. Any instrument that all you have to do is press a button to get a note must be rubbish. Simple argument. but I'd be wrong.
"Flute, because you can feel the heart beat through the breath"?
You can feel your heart beat through your fiddle bowing arm. Heck, you could probably feel it through the plectrum on the banjo.
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by llig leahcim
Re: Most expressive instruments
well said michael.
But, the bit about E concertina? mmm not sure. I like them. They are a bit more mechanical sounding, but Ive recently heard alot of good stuff on them. It all depends on the player!
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by dexter
sorry mate. I read your posting wrong!! Forget what I said about the concertina!well said
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by dexter
Re: Most expressive instruments
My unthinking automatic answer to this one would be "the cello" (of course!), but that's being much too parochial, and I agree with michael, on all points.
m
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by lazyhound
Re: Most expressive instruments
Yes Michael, it's an opinion thing, that's what makes it interesting, hearing other peoples opinions and why. Every instrument has some theoretical limit to expression and its interesting to hear what people like about the sounds made by them when played by the most expert of us.
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by Kenn
Re: Most expressive instruments
Flute, because you can smell the player's breath through his playing... hmm, nevermind!
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by glauber
Re: Most expressive instruments
Despite being a fiddle player and thinking it is the most expressive of instruments and being totally biased, I really think that the human voice is the most expressive and emotive of instruments possible.
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by Caraaz
Re: Most expressive instruments
I've heard a few tunes (and songs) done on kazoo that almost made me cry... I call that emotive.
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by Trinil
Re: Most expressive instruments
Expressiveness is measured through the player and the instrument. Yes, it can be called a matter of opinion. But, let's look at it from a scientific aspect. An instrument that has the ability for many dynamics would be called an expressive instrument. One with less dynamics could be called less expressive. However, some players play more expressively than others. Also consider that a/an player/instrument can express themselves/itself in different ways. Each instrument ultimately has the ability to be expressed in its own way. How a player expresses themselves, is through their instrument.
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by SPeak
Re: Most expressive instruments
Yeah yeah yeah. "From a scientific point of view"??
I thought it was art we were talking about.
And how come Kenn in his orriginal posting likes the pipes, when they have no dynamic range at all?
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by llig leahcim
Re: Most expressive instruments
I agree with Caraaz - it's the human voice. But maybe we should exclude that from the category, as it's a case apart. After all, one of the things that leads an instrument (or someone's playing) to be described as expressive, is that it resembles a voice somehow. (See Kenn's first post).
I think the pipes are fanstastically expressive in the right hands, whatever their technical limitations - and also that they have a large range, if you go from the lowest drone to the highest chanter notes, not forgetting the squeaks as well...
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by Nell
Re: Most expressive instruments
Have no doubt - It is indeed a matter of opinion. There is one exception - MY VIOLIN is the most expressive instrument in the world.
Mark
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Mark Cordova
Re: Most expressive instruments
I said the pipes have no " dynamic " range
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by llig leahcim
Re: Most expressive instruments
Whoops, sorry Michael - just realised what you said, too late! Point taken. Hard to play quietly on the pipes...
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Nell
Re: Most expressive instruments
Take a pill, Michael. The pipes have quite the dynamic range when played correctly. Art and science go hand in hand. Ever heard of the Academy of Arts and Sciences?
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by SPeak
Re: Most expressive instruments
It's not the instrument, it's the player.
Dynamic range has only a tiny bit to do with expression. Held and cut notes, grace notes, speed, "swing," etc. have more to do with it in my mind.
As some guy on a poster on my wall said, "Piano playing is much more difficult than statesmanship. It is harder to wake emotions in ivory keys than in a human being."
If you can tell me who said that you get a coupon for a free cookie, redeemable at your local mall.... but don't forget a dollar for the cookie.
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by no longer exists
Re: Most expressive instruments
As it's true that the most expressive instrument is the human voice, then it follows that the most expressive-sounding musical instrument would be that which is closest to the the voice---fiddle, viola or cello. Obviously if you have not mastered your instrument, you will not be able to use the huge dynamic range and expressive potential of the instrument----it still amazes me how it's possible to make a note swell and disappear to almost a whisper (not that I don't struggle to make those sounds...)
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by aoife
Re: Most expressive instruments
To say that the human voice is the most expressive instrument is perhaps the most obvious answer to this question. The fact that it is the one instrument which is common to just about every musical style and tradition says something to suggest that. But many people, for whatever reason, psychological or physiological, find the voice an inadequate means of expression. Perhaps this is why some people are drawn irresistibly to playing music, or to a particular instrument. For many great players, playing an instrument is almost a substitiute for vocal expression.
# Posted on October 29th 2002 by granama
Re: Most expressive instruments
Ian Carr says that when he's playing, his guitar *is* his voice... (nobody could ever sing like that, mind!)
# Posted on October 29th 2002 by Nell
Re: Most expressive instruments
This 'expressive' is a very interesting question. Everyone who has replied to it seems to interpret 'expressive' as 'expressive of emotion', or as the ability to convey the inner feelings of the player.
I'd like to put forward a couple of other 'most expressive instrument' contenders...
Most expressive of excitement: Fiddle
The most expressive of amusement: The Jews Harp (listen to the Wright Brothers 'Maid Behind The Bar' on Paddy In The Smoke).
The most expressive of contempt: The 'Pen' of of the admirably thick skinned Michael Gill.
# Posted on October 29th 2002 by Ottery
Re: Most expressive instruments
claudine's thought on the flute was lovely. But I think any instrument can be the most expressive if it in teh hands of someone who really loves it, and loves the music and sound it produces. All instruments are different and reflect the person playing them. That's the beautiful thing about music. You can talk without talking.
idgie
# Posted on October 29th 2002 by idgie
Re: Most expressive instruments
Good science is dispassionate.
Art most certainly is not
# Posted on October 30th 2002 by llig leahcim
Re: Most expressive instruments
Helen, that's probably why Ian Carr chooses to play the guitar rather than sing - his voice (in the physiological sense of the word) would be utterly useless at conveying all those bizarre musical sounds which he coaxes out of his guitar.
# Posted on October 31st 2002 by granama
Re: Most expressive instruments
Maybe I should explain that my comment about the flute was rather meant as a joke. I do believe that the most expressive instrument is the instrument which is played by the most expressive player. But as flute is my personal favourite, I thought I could try to influence folks a bit
# Posted on November 5th 2002 by claudine
Re: Most expressive instruments
I'm fairly certain I'm the dumbest person on the list serve, and I could tell you were joking, Claudine!
# Posted on November 5th 2002 by cuchulain54