"There are two kinds of music, good music and the other kind" - Duke Ellington
I think a certain idea is getting lost in these discussions. Well, at least the idea that I tried to bring forth about the "nuts and bolts" part of music appreciation. The idea that disregard for, lack of interest, or ignorance of that aspect of music is somehow a higher calling, or that it leads to a deeper emotional connection to music is simply mistaken. It is not a prerequisite for the appreciation of music (obviously), but it can do nothing but enhance the emotional experience, and helps us be a better judge of the good and the bad.
On a more personal note, and this is something that every musician feels strongly about is the obvious (if cliched) truth in Duke's comment. I listen to everything, there is no genre of music that doesn't have the good and the bad; and I confess that I find it remarkable (and this is not meant to offend) that anyone can feel so passionately about a particular genre (any genre) and dismiss the incredible beauty in Kathleen Battle's singing, even if that genre is not the preferred genre. We all have our likes and dislikes, but like Duke said....Anyway, I strongly encourage all to be more open to this idea.
The "My Favorite Things" comparison. Orpheus, at first I thought it was a joke; it's like being asked to compare grandma's chicken soup to a spicy Cajun gumbo. I am not sure where to begin. One is a vocal rendition, the other is an instrumental version in which the tune is almost inconsequential; it's simply a vehicle for the players' improvisation within that tune's framework. On the vocal version you have classic production values and orchestration coupled to Andrews' charming and mildly theatrical singing; impeccable in the nuts and bolts considerations of pitch, control, and beauty of tone while (even more importantly) conveying the perfectly appropriate feeling of innocence that the lyric demands. A timeless, classic, and beautiful vocal rendition with an orchestration full of subtlety and restraint; what is there not to like? Coltrane's version could not be more different. His ascerbic and raw tone on the soprano gives this version an almost surreal quality. There is not much of an "arrangement" to speak of and obviously no orchestration. The rhythm section lays down a waltz feel very different from that in the vocal version, being much more swinging and not as appropriately light and buoyant. As I said, more than anything, a vehicle for improvisation which is done in typical Coltrane fashion; reaching, searching, with a sense of purpose that is typically Trane.
Grandma's chicken soup may not be as interesting as a Cajun gumbo, but man, there sure was perfection and comfort in that chicken soup; in its own way, a thing of beauty. Love that Cajun gumbo, but it could give me heartburn like the chicken soup never did. All in all, as far as the MUSIC, the emotion, both equally valid and good.
BTW, I don't tire of that story; I am envious as hell. I look forward to your comments about the two versions of MFT.
"“I believe in things that are developed through hard work. I always like people who have developed long and hard, especially through introspection and a lot of dedication. I think what they arrive at is usually a much deeper and more beautiful thing than the person who seems to have that ability and fluidity from the beginning. I say this because it’s a good message to give to young talents who feel as I used to.” - Bill Evans
