It'd be nice if he would learn more actual ITM, instead of all that ambient movie kind of stuff... not that it's bad, but it drives me crazy when that's all people can do
"The secret to Irish music is to start on 5, go up, go down, go up, go down, and end on 5. "
Right......
Actually I have one of his flutes - a bamboo one in G, more like a fife really. He says it's a Brazilian flute. I suppose it's alright...
If buying an Irish flute, however, I'd go with someone who actually knows something.
"I feel that he "cheats" a bit too much with the reverb."
Trad music should have enough reverb to replace the natural reverb in a room and no more. Any more and you are trying to fool people. Titanic? Enya? Celtic Dreams? IMO trad instruments sound best naked or very close to it. Any plonker can make a 'nice' sound from a whistle using lashings of reverb. Not the worst beginners tips all the same providing they are aware what real trad sounds like.
That was terrible.
He also doesn't seem to know proper pennywhistle fingering, did anyone else catch that? He was using the half-cover technique to play a C, when there is an actual fingering for that note, and he wasn't lifting the index finger of his right hand to play the second octave D.
Also, *insert everything daiv, Brendand, and bogman said here*
I know a former All-Ireland tinwhistle champion who prefers to make C's by half-holing, rather than cross-fingering. I reckon it's a personal preference thing? My (very good quality) tinwhistle is actually a tiny bit sharp on the cross-fingered C (oxxooo).
I'll trust you then on that Steve. mea culpa. but what to make of this entry?
Bew pays close attention to the preoccupation of many Victorian intellectuals with Ireland, and deals with the ideas of Mill and others without falling into the jejeune generalisations of post-colonial critique.Foster
That's a good point browndog, and I will admit that the half hole is also nice to use when you want to roll up to the C, like in a slower tune or something. I have a couple of whistles that are a bit sharp on the C as well, so I know what you mean. However I do think that if you're teaching pennywhistle, at least mentioning the alternate fingering for the C would be good, as it comes in handy!
UGH! ~ Sorry, I couldn't take more than a few seconds of that. I HATE TOILET ROOM REVERB!!! I can usually manage the occassional nut, but a nut and reverb, and a pretentious nut too ~ UUUU!!! It doesn't even deserve the closing GH!...
Well, bless him anyway, he is at least using sustainable materials, growing his own bamboo... So, it's not all pretentious bullsh*t, but sadly that seems to give off a great stink in those daft videos, the one linked to here and those on his site. And then, as I skipped to the end of this video, that awful add for the reverb pedal, ending ~ "to get that professional sound" ~ HA! Obviously he's an amateur. It would show some real care and respect if he'd at least learn to play a few 'Irish' tunes...
Well, I think that's a video focused on the pennywhistle itself, not on the irish music. And the pennywhistle itself its a quite versatile instrument indeed! I'm learning that from Bill Ochs book, where he put a selection of tunes which span lots of genres (and centuries) with the intention of demonstrate that.
What I dislike a lot about the video is that so strong reverb. I think that some buyers can be fooled by that and buy the whistle with the expectations that it will play like that, just blowing in.
I think that this Erik is a fine guy anyhow. He makes a lot of OTHER instruments (and tons of flutes suited for other genres, too).
"Jejeune" is always wrong. Its misunderstood sense of "childish" (which is not at all what the word means) arose a long time ago, and the incorrect spelling "jejeune" somehow arose to justify this misconception. I don't care if William bloody Shakespeare wrote it - it's wrong. It's one of my pet hates, along with disinterested for uninterested, alternate for alternative and begging the question for raising the question. Pretentious, moi?
Steve, a man after my own heart - if people can't make some effort to use words correctly then no wonder the standard of thinking is dropping. Words and their proper meanings are the tools of thought (politicians in particular take note - but of course they never do).
As it happens, I've never used the word "jejune" so I've taken the opportunity to look it up in both Webster and Collins - "void of substance", "void of interest", "barren", "insipid", and similar concepts are given as definitions (no mention of "childish").
Is there a word "jejeune" in French? My French dictionary (not a comprehensive one) doesn't have it.
Yes Anal, the fipple flute, 6 holes more or less, is universal and ancient. Remains have been found in Egyptian burial chambers, and can be seen in the British Museum & Louvre collections, London & Paris. 'Smart'? ~ that's a bit loose in use ~ the aulos, double flute, is also ancient... It is nothing 'new'. But as you say and I'm in agreement, it is the reverb that was the biggest gut wrench, even more so than his costumes and twaddle...
I got a grade 1 "O" Level in French but that was in 1967 so I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure that the word is simply an ignorant corruption of "jejune," which has a pedigree going all the way back to the Latin "jejunus," meaning barren or fasting, without food. Nothing at all to do with youth or childishness. I'm glad you've never used the word: neither have I, preferring the many alternatives available. I'm pretentious enough without adding the deployment of over-clever words to my armoury. I'm sure Danny had his reasons for using it, though, good man that he is...
Apparantly Je jeune/jejune came into usage in the 17th C.
Perhaps we have the two concepts, jejune, from the latin fasting/barren and je jeune: I am young, from French.Some dictionaries quotes both these, as meanings of the expression. Is one right and one wrong? possibly, but perhaps they are two separate expressions that have become conjoined .
No, "jejeune" arose as an erroneous interpretation of "jejune," which has nothing to do with French. And "Je jeune" would not be recognised as literate French by any denizen of that esteemed nation. The two expressions, the one right and the other wrong, are in no way conjoined in the minds of the literate masses. You can cling to this all you like, but the plain fact is that "jejeune" arose as a consequence of someone or other in the long-lost mists of time trying to be clever and pretentious, and coming unstuck linguistically as a result. Best thing is to find another word. No-one will be impressed by "jejune," and a healthy scattering of us will heap derision on those employing "jejeune."
You'd better unplug the laptop, disconnect, and put out that flashlight under your sheet, the lads and lasses in the white coats are coming to look in the peep hole and make sure you and your computer connections are asleep...
Chirp, chirp, brawk, brawk, shhhhhhhhhhhh (rain!), and don't ask me to approximate rustling leaves and howler monkies....
"Puerile" could conceivably be synonymous with "jejeune," except of course that "jejeune" does not exist in the minds of the literate. It would be equally illiterate to use "jejune" if your intended meaning is akin to "puerile," as this is not at all what "jejune" means. Anal moniker? A mouth organ being played, er, unconventionally?
Jejune has been my favourite word for a while now. I've always used it to mean something like "uninspiring", so I was confused by Danny's first comment. I'd never heard it used in the sense of "juvenile" before. Interesting that that usage has been documented as far back as the 1800s.
I don't wish to associate myself with those Canutes who never want to see evolution in language, but this instance is clearly one in which ignorance, and probably pretentiousness coming before a fall, led the way. The fact that it has been around since Victorian times in no way accords it legitimacy. I like the crispness of English and don't want to see it become nothing more than a soggy mass of nuance-free, degraded words. So if I want to say "puerile," I will not say "jejune." In fact, I would never say "jejune" anyway, as to do so would mark me out as the pretentious prick I know I already am (before you tell me). One thing's for sure. There is no jejeune. And my current favourite word is tendentious. I think I'll try to work it in as often as possible from now on, in fact. Unless you think that would mark out my behaviour as jejeune.
A video from Erik the flutemaker
A video from Erik the flutemaker
I just discovered this video and I liked it quite a lot, although I feel that he "cheats" a bit too much with the reverb.
I'd like to know your opinion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfWhAyhA8JE
Thanks
# Posted on June 24th 2008 by Anal
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
It'd be nice if he would learn more actual ITM, instead of all that ambient movie kind of stuff... not that it's bad, but it drives me crazy when that's all people can do
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by JosephofCK
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Quite well done but rather jejune in content.
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
I think I'll change my name to "Penile." Hmm. Or perhaps "Scrotal."
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
"The secret to Irish music is to start on 5, go up, go down, go up, go down, and end on 5. "
Right......
Actually I have one of his flutes - a bamboo one in G, more like a fife really. He says it's a Brazilian flute. I suppose it's alright...
If buying an Irish flute, however, I'd go with someone who actually knows something.
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
hahah. the secret to irish music is to play irish tunes, in an irish way.
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by daiv
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
pretty nauseating, in my opinion
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Brendan
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
"I feel that he "cheats" a bit too much with the reverb."
Trad music should have enough reverb to replace the natural reverb in a room and no more. Any more and you are trying to fool people. Titanic? Enya? Celtic Dreams? IMO trad instruments sound best naked or very close to it. Any plonker can make a 'nice' sound from a whistle using lashings of reverb. Not the worst beginners tips all the same providing they are aware what real trad sounds like.
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by bogman
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
That was terrible.
He also doesn't seem to know proper pennywhistle fingering, did anyone else catch that? He was using the half-cover technique to play a C, when there is an actual fingering for that note, and he wasn't lifting the index finger of his right hand to play the second octave D.
Also, *insert everything daiv, Brendand, and bogman said here*
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Tasia
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
excuse me, but what kind of a moniker is "Anal" ! yikes.
seems a tad -- jejeune.non?
[ps. i think you speld the jejeune wrong Key Maniac ;) and i know yer a stickler for the Queen's English according to yer bio]
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by mtodd
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Nope, it's jejune. I'm a stickler for the queer old dean's English too.
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Response to Tasia:
I know a former All-Ireland tinwhistle champion who prefers to make C's by half-holing, rather than cross-fingering. I reckon it's a personal preference thing? My (very good quality) tinwhistle is actually a tiny bit sharp on the cross-fingered C (oxxooo).
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by browndog
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
I'll trust you then on that Steve. mea culpa. but what to make of this entry?
Bew pays close attention to the preoccupation of many Victorian intellectuals with Ireland, and deals with the ideas of Mill and others without falling into the jejeune generalisations of post-colonial critique.Foster
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by mtodd
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
That's a good point browndog, and I will admit that the half hole is also nice to use when you want to roll up to the C, like in a slower tune or something. I have a couple of whistles that are a bit sharp on the C as well, so I know what you mean. However I do think that if you're teaching pennywhistle, at least mentioning the alternate fingering for the C would be good, as it comes in handy!
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Tasia
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
I agree, Tasia. I cross-finger, myself... but I don't play slow-airs either, so a slightly sharp C will pass by in a blink during an at-speed reel...
Cheers.
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by browndog
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
UGH! ~ Sorry, I couldn't take more than a few seconds of that. I HATE TOILET ROOM REVERB!!! I can usually manage the occassional nut, but a nut and reverb, and a pretentious nut too ~ UUUU!!! It doesn't even deserve the closing GH!...
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by ceolachan
And he only appreciates E Dorian, the poor misguided soul...
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by ceolachan
http://www.eriktheflutemaker.com/
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Well, bless him anyway, he is at least using sustainable materials, growing his own bamboo... So, it's not all pretentious bullsh*t, but sadly that seems to give off a great stink in those daft videos, the one linked to here and those on his site. And then, as I skipped to the end of this video, that awful add for the reverb pedal, ending ~ "to get that professional sound" ~ HA! Obviously he's an amateur. It would show some real care and respect if he'd at least learn to play a few 'Irish' tunes...
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Yep, ceolachan. Right on all counts.
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Ron Foreman
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Well, I think that's a video focused on the pennywhistle itself, not on the irish music. And the pennywhistle itself its a quite versatile instrument indeed! I'm learning that from Bill Ochs book, where he put a selection of tunes which span lots of genres (and centuries) with the intention of demonstrate that.
What I dislike a lot about the video is that so strong reverb. I think that some buyers can be fooled by that and buy the whistle with the expectations that it will play like that, just blowing in.
I think that this Erik is a fine guy anyhow. He makes a lot of OTHER instruments (and tons of flutes suited for other genres, too).
He's also a smart inventor too. Have a look at this one. He "invented" an instrument by gluing toegether two susatos (that's what he wrote on it's website).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jras69X1XsQ&feature=related
This one is also quite FUN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX4p-jSGbOM&feature=related
Anyhow. The reverb of that firs video fills me of anal hate.
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Anal
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
"Jejeune" is always wrong. Its misunderstood sense of "childish" (which is not at all what the word means) arose a long time ago, and the incorrect spelling "jejeune" somehow arose to justify this misconception. I don't care if William bloody Shakespeare wrote it - it's wrong. It's one of my pet hates, along with disinterested for uninterested, alternate for alternative and begging the question for raising the question. Pretentious, moi?
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Everything Ceolachan about sums it up....
I've noticed: The easiest way to tell if somebody is a true ITM player or not is whether they call it a pennywhistle or a whistle
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by JosephofCK
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Steve, a man after my own heart - if people can't make some effort to use words correctly then no wonder the standard of thinking is dropping. Words and their proper meanings are the tools of thought (politicians in particular take note - but of course they never do).
As it happens, I've never used the word "jejune" so I've taken the opportunity to look it up in both Webster and Collins - "void of substance", "void of interest", "barren", "insipid", and similar concepts are given as definitions (no mention of "childish").
Is there a word "jejeune" in French? My French dictionary (not a comprehensive one) doesn't have it.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by lazyhound
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Yes Anal, the fipple flute, 6 holes more or less, is universal and ancient. Remains have been found in Egyptian burial chambers, and can be seen in the British Museum & Louvre collections, London & Paris. 'Smart'? ~ that's a bit loose in use ~ the aulos, double flute, is also ancient... It is nothing 'new'. But as you say and I'm in agreement, it is the reverb that was the biggest gut wrench, even more so than his costumes and twaddle...
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
I got a grade 1 "O" Level in French but that was in 1967
so I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure that the word is simply an ignorant corruption of "jejune," which has a pedigree going all the way back to the Latin "jejunus," meaning barren or fasting, without food. Nothing at all to do with youth or childishness. I'm glad you've never used the word: neither have I, preferring the many alternatives available. I'm pretentious enough without adding the deployment of over-clever words to my armoury. I'm sure Danny had his reasons for using it, though, good man that he is...
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Apparantly Je jeune/jejune came into usage in the 17th C.
Perhaps we have the two concepts, jejune, from the latin fasting/barren and je jeune: I am young, from French.Some dictionaries quotes both these, as meanings of the expression. Is one right and one wrong? possibly, but perhaps they are two separate expressions that have become conjoined .
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Ionannas
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
No, "jejeune" arose as an erroneous interpretation of "jejune," which has nothing to do with French. And "Je jeune" would not be recognised as literate French by any denizen of that esteemed nation. The two expressions, the one right and the other wrong, are in no way conjoined in the minds of the literate masses. You can cling to this all you like, but the plain fact is that "jejeune" arose as a consequence of someone or other in the long-lost mists of time trying to be clever and pretentious, and coming unstuck linguistically as a result. Best thing is to find another word. No-one will be impressed by "jejune," and a healthy scattering of us will heap derision on those employing "jejeune."
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
what would it had been if only the video had been nauseating and not the discussion about the video as well
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Brendan
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
I discovered the reverb AND I figured out how to put rainforest sounds in the background!! Birds, raindrops, wind, thunder....MORE!
I am addicted. It is fun and sounds mysterious.
Now how do you do SoundLantern?
I will grow up, eventually. S.O. is hoping to that end.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by feardearg
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
You'd better unplug the laptop, disconnect, and put out that flashlight under your sheet, the lads and lasses in the white coats are coming to look in the peep hole and make sure you and your computer connections are asleep...
Chirp, chirp, brawk, brawk, shhhhhhhhhhhh (rain!), and don't ask me to approximate rustling leaves and howler monkies....
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
fellow wordsmiths....
fascinating. i agree, suspect jejune probably somehow got confused with jejeune or corrupted or otherwise co-opted..
how about puerile instead?
now, what's with the "anal" moniker?
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by mtodd
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
"Puerile" could conceivably be synonymous with "jejeune," except of course that "jejeune" does not exist in the minds of the literate. It would be equally illiterate to use "jejune" if your intended meaning is akin to "puerile," as this is not at all what "jejune" means. Anal moniker? A mouth organ being played, er, unconventionally?
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Anal does it better.
# Posted on June 27th 2008 by Anal
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Here is a detailed discussion of "jejune" (not "jejeune") by an eminent lexicographer http://www.worldwidewords.org/topicalwords/tw-jej1.htm
# Posted on June 28th 2008 by lazyhound
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/jejune
anyway who cares............
# Posted on June 28th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
Jejune has been my favourite word for a while now. I've always used it to mean something like "uninspiring", so I was confused by Danny's first comment. I'd never heard it used in the sense of "juvenile" before. Interesting that that usage has been documented as far back as the 1800s.
# Posted on June 28th 2008 by Dow
Re: A video from Erik the flutemaker
I don't wish to associate myself with those Canutes who never want to see evolution in language, but this instance is clearly one in which ignorance, and probably pretentiousness coming before a fall, led the way. The fact that it has been around since Victorian times in no way accords it legitimacy. I like the crispness of English and don't want to see it become nothing more than a soggy mass of nuance-free, degraded words. So if I want to say "puerile," I will not say "jejune." In fact, I would never say "jejune" anyway, as to do so would mark me out as the pretentious prick I know I already am (before you tell me). One thing's for sure. There is no jejeune. And my current favourite word is tendentious. I think I'll try to work it in as often as possible from now on, in fact. Unless you think that would mark out my behaviour as jejeune.
# Posted on June 28th 2008 by Steve Shaw