Mechanical Music, Old and New
By Joyce Brite
Regarding old player piano tunes versus new ones (see the recent Digest letters from S. K. Goodman, Troy Taylor and Craig Brougher).
Why should we have to make a choice between old-style player piano songs and newer ones? There is nothing wrong with people enjoying several types of music. If you believe that 1920's era songs are the only ones that should be played on the player piano, then you immediately exclude a huge group of potential music enthusiasts. To get young people interested in mechanical music, we must be _inclusive_, not _exclusive_. All young people are not fans of rap, grunge, heavy metal, etc. There are milder types of popular music such as soft rock and easy listening.
In the past year, I've purchased a number of piano rolls including ragtime and tried-and-true old favorites. But, I've also purchased a roll with a Chicago tune. During the same time, I've bought CD's of classical, big band/swing (which I really enjoy) and Gershwin music. And I've also purchased CD's by Paula Abdul, Jimmy Buffett, Janet Jackson, and Randy Travis. Why limit yourself? If you like a tune, regardless of the style of music or the medium, go ahead -- listen and enjoy!
Granted, numerous popular songs of the last 20 to 30 years do not transfer well to player piano style. Many of them, such as "Heart of Glass" by Blondie (QRS 10-655), fizzle on the player piano. But then, whose fault is that? I'll leave it to the reader to form his or her own opinion.
Likewise, every tune of the 10's and 20's was not a winner. Older music does not necessarily mean better music. If older player piano tunes appeal to you most, enjoy them! But it is not a crime to appreciate the new along with the old.
Joyce Brite
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(Message sent Fri 7 Feb 1997, 23:24:38 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.) |
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