Has anyone tried playing J.S.Skinner's variations to 'Largo's Fairy Dance' (by Nath. Gow.)? [See 'The Harp and Claymore' collection]. At what speed/number of pints does it become possible/impossible to play Variation Three?!?
Again, as in the other thread, I think there's certain things you should save for performance situations.
In my opinion, sessions are not the place for "showing off" with fancy variations which the other players might find too difficult or not even know about in the first place. As has been argued here on many an occasion, sessions should be "inclusive".
Now, if you're performing this piece in front of an audience or whatever, then the question about "how many pints" shouldn't really apply. Just don't drink until afterwards, although I know many well known performers who don't follow this rule.
That depends, Fearghal. If you're Johnny Cunningham, it never does (did) become too fast. (Listen to Johnny's Big Set on Encore by Celtic Fiddle Festival, and then sit down and have a good cry because you'll probably never play it that well yourself.) The rest of us lesser mortals find that our mileage varies.
For me being able to play it rapidly and fluently depends a good deal on variables such as:
-- How fresh or tired I am (if tired, forget it);
-- How many pints of cider I've had (if more than 2, forget it);
-- How recently I've woodshedded the tune (if not recently, forget it);
-- And how my hand tremor is behaving (if it's showing up at all, forget it).
I doubt I usually get it to go way fast at the best of times (I've never measured my pace), but on a couple of inspired evenings I've gotten it fast enough that my husband let out a spontaneous whoop and applauded. I don't play it at session at all, though; they prefer blazing sets of Shetland jigs and reels when they feel like playing really fast.
If you really want to play it at hurricane speeds, then practice practice practice practice practice practice practice.
Sessions should be *enjoyable*. Sometimes it's fun to listen to someone do a bit of showing off. 'Inclusive' could mean, among other things, including occasional deviations from the norm. No harm in letting individuals shine once in a while - just don't let them take over.
Attention Fiddlers (and others)!!
Attention Fiddlers (and others)!!
Has anyone tried playing J.S.Skinner's variations to 'Largo's Fairy Dance' (by Nath. Gow.)? [See 'The Harp and Claymore' collection]. At what speed/number of pints does it become possible/impossible to play Variation Three?!?
# Posted on September 4th 2006 by Harping McCartan
Re: Attention Fiddlers (and others)!!
Again, as in the other thread, I think there's certain things you should save for performance situations.
In my opinion, sessions are not the place for "showing off" with fancy variations which the other players might find too difficult or not even know about in the first place. As has been argued here on many an occasion, sessions should be "inclusive".
Now, if you're performing this piece in front of an audience or whatever, then the question about "how many pints" shouldn't really apply. Just don't drink until afterwards, although I know many well known performers who don't follow this rule.
# Posted on September 4th 2006 by Johnny Jay
Re: Attention Fiddlers (and others)!!
Whatever and how much you drink, just make sure the audience is well ahead of you in this area
# Posted on September 4th 2006 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Attention Fiddlers (and others)!!
That depends, Fearghal. If you're Johnny Cunningham, it never does (did) become too fast. (Listen to Johnny's Big Set on Encore by Celtic Fiddle Festival, and then sit down and have a good cry because you'll probably never play it that well yourself.) The rest of us lesser mortals find that our mileage varies.
For me being able to play it rapidly and fluently depends a good deal on variables such as:
-- How fresh or tired I am (if tired, forget it);
-- How many pints of cider I've had (if more than 2, forget it);
-- How recently I've woodshedded the tune (if not recently, forget it);
-- And how my hand tremor is behaving (if it's showing up at all, forget it).
I doubt I usually get it to go way fast at the best of times (I've never measured my pace), but on a couple of inspired evenings I've gotten it fast enough that my husband let out a spontaneous whoop and applauded. I don't play it at session at all, though; they prefer blazing sets of Shetland jigs and reels when they feel like playing really fast.
If you really want to play it at hurricane speeds, then practice practice practice practice practice practice practice.
And listen to both John J and Trevor.
# Posted on September 4th 2006 by sara g
Re: Attention Fiddlers (and others)!!
John J: "...sessions should be "inclusive..." "
Sessions should be *enjoyable*. Sometimes it's fun to listen to someone do a bit of showing off. 'Inclusive' could mean, among other things, including occasional deviations from the norm. No harm in letting individuals shine once in a while - just don't let them take over.
# Posted on September 8th 2006 by CreadurMawnOrganig