Adding Expression to Piano Rolls
By Robbie Rhodes
Artis Wodehouse writes this about her project of adding realistic expression to Midi files of the old 88-note Vocalstyle and QRS rolls recorded by Jelly Roll Morton, aided by existent phono recordings. She hopes to "set up shop" this Winter somewhere between New York and Boston, and needs an assistant.
> I think the bottom line is so obvious that people don't see it: a performance will
> not move a listener if it lacks expressivity. My goal involves a form of
> performance ethics (and also, a nice way of setting limits) in that I am
> trying to create an interpretation based as much as possible on what we can
> know of Morton's performance style. Of course, the final product can't
> possibly be "the ghost of Morton", but it will be enlivened by a hopefully
> tasteful application of what we can recreate -- and necessarily, reinterpret
> -- of his performance style taken from his audio recordings.
>
> While the Morton rolls have a varying degree of similarity to analogous disk recordings
> of the same year, I'm sure you know that there enough differences between
> the audio and the roll rendition of the same tune to call them alternative
> takes. The roll performances are particularly to be treasured because they
> are unique renditions of his tunes both in small details and long-term
> structuring. Also, they are often structurally expanded beyond his audio
> rendition, and have a mass (think of "Shreveport Stomp") and cumulative impact
> (think of "Stratford Huntch") that is unique among his recorded takes.
>
> I've been receiving positive responses to my search for MIDI editors, and
> will contact your nephew at MIT. I'm looking for someone with computer literacy
> (MIDI editing a plus, but not essential) with a good ear, a good sense of
> musical time, an inclusive appreciation for a broad range of music and a
> person who is exacting and doesn't collapse under tedious work. I hope to
> find someone who can work 20 hours a week for a period of 2-3 months for $20
> to $25/hr.
>
> Artis
>
-- Robbie Rhodes
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(Message sent Fri 1 Dec 1995, 07:07:01 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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