Mellotronists

In a message dated 11/29/2002 4:17:12 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
kenmerb@... writes:


> ? Never having played a wind instrument, I don't know, but I suspect that 
> the note patterns normally played on a flute or sax would be different than 
> the note patterns played on a keyboard, because things are laid out 
> differently on each instrument.  Same thing with the violins.  This leads 
> to the original sounds, but being played in a completely different way.
> 

Translating from the keyboard to the instrument, whether it's winds or 
strings or whatever, is usually a matter of voice leading and economy of 
movement(when applicable).  The nice thing about scoring for strings, whether 
it's 3 or 32, is that usually everything sounds great.  It really is pretty 
hard to screw up strings from a composer and arranger's point of view.  As 
long as the parts are written in the "meat" of the instrument and the players 
don't suck you'll be golden.
    Just had the opportunity to work with an up and coming master of one of 
my favorite analog replay instruments, the turntable.  In the hands of 
someone who knows what they're doing, it can be quite evocative....sort of 
like other replay instruments we're so fond of. It's just that the turntable 
is monophonic so it has a severe limitation.  The tuntablist (aka DJ) I 
worked with showed me an openmindedness that was more expansive then both 
trained and instinctual "traditional" musicians but no less tonal or rythmic 
than either.  I think I'm going to take lessons as I find the instrument to 
be quite exhilarating. So I agree,  the analog replay instruments with all 
their quirks and imperfections do have a somewhat magical grip on me as well.


Fritz m400#1697,  tecnics turnatable 1200MKII serial # unknown