MMD > Archives > May 1995 > 1995.05.03 > 02Prev  Next


Nancarrow
By Achim Gratz, forwarded by Terry Smythe

To: automatic-music@foxtail.com

Forwarded Message:


 From: gratz@ite.inf.tu-dresden. To: ALL                      
Subj: Re: Nancarrow Area: 0-rec.music.maker Date: 05/02/95
====================================================================
>>>>> "Phil" == Phil DeWalt <pdewalkc@pei.edu> writes:

>> gratz@ite121.inf.tu-dresden.de (Achim Gratz) wrote:
>> From the little I have heard of his music, MIDI is probably not
>> capable of reproducing his work. At least not with standard
>> equipment. And, you _need_ a mechanical piano.

Phil> Depending on the sequencer's resolution, MIDI is perfectly
Phil> capable of duplicating the rhythmic complexities of
Phil> Nancarrow's music.

I didn't say that it is impossible, but you have to be careful. I don't think that the MIDI-Player that comes with Windoze does a very good job on it, for instance. Also, if you don't have a Disclavier, you'll probably have to use multi-channel setup or even use multiple MIDI interfaces. Synchronizing between interfaces can be bothersome.

Phil> I myself sequenced his study #19 with
Phil> complete accuracy (at least, I defy anyone to notice any
Phil> rhythmic differences between my sequenced version and
Phil> Nancarrow's). In fact, if your sequencer has such features
Phil> as "Scale Time" or "Scale Tempo's", then you can sequence
Phil> one of his scores in MUCH less time than it took Conlon to
Phil> hand punch it.

Joy of computer technology: Let the damn thing do all the dumb routine tasks and you'll have the time to do the intelligent ones. Provided there is no bug to bite you ;-).

Phil> However, there is no denying that even the best MIDI
Phil> sequence won't hold a candle to the sound of Nancarrow's
Phil> modified player piano's. Get Wergo's 5 CD set and it'll
Phil> blast your mind.

I'd like to have a more precise description of these CDs. I'd like to buy them, but I never heard of a label called "Wergo". Also, are other CDs around?


-- Achim Gratz -+==##{([***Murphy is always right***])}##==+- E-Mail: gratz@ite.inf.tu-dresden.de Phone: +49 351 4575 - 325

(Message sent Thu 4 May 1995, 03:30:10 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

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