Do you suffer for your art?
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You can comment on this video at YouTube
Saturday August 12, 2023
David Mellor
David Mellor is CEO and Course Director of Audio Masterclass. David has designed courses in audio education and training since 1986 and is the publisher and principal writer of Adventures In Audio.
duncan rmi: the devil's kiss, wasn't it called? the marks from the violin, I mean...
Audio Masterclass replies to duncan rmi: Poseidon may want to get into the action too. DM
Ton R.: I didn't hear the foot, should I worry about my hearing?
TechMed Rainer Richter: Danke!
Audio Masterclass replies to TechMed Rainer Richter: Thank you, much appreciated. DM
TechMed Rainer Richter: Well, I can tell from own experience that men gain the same marks when playing violin.
Thank you for presenting one of my all-time favourite pieces of music 🎶 As you love Alban Berg's "Dem Andenken eines Engels - To the Memory of an Angel", maybe be you want to consider a record by Frank Peter Zimmermann with Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Kirill Petrenko.
Audio Masterclass replies to TechMed Rainer Richter: As a man who has a violin, I can tell from your comment I'm not practising enough. DM
Mondo Enterprises: Or, as Marshall Crenshaw titled his live album, I've Suffered For My Art. Now It's Your Turn.
Audio Masterclass replies to Mondo Enterprises: It's a good joke that can survive multiple repetitions. I've received a number of opinions where this originally came from. I don't think we'll ever truly know. DM
Christian Elgin: so this is the hight of being an audiophile? almost thought you were going to nut right there and then.
To each their own tho, glad you enjoy it.
Somebloke: I used to play in rock bands. We wrote our own songs, carried all our own gear, and made albums. I'm not has not exactly a strong man and humping speaker cabs and such has not exactly done wonders for my back. I get spasms occasionally. In some ways worse (but I wouldn't exactly call it "suffering") was the indifference of audiences.We were a well rehearsed, tight little band with good songs. We'd often get calls of "know any Oasis mate ?" or "do some Beatles will yer". Pearls before swine.
Audio Masterclass replies to Somebloke: I made a vow, some decades ago, to never carry a speaker again. Other than of near-field dimensions, so far I've kept it. DM
Tony Rapa: Do you suffer for your art? Definitely not! Wonderful piece of music, by the way.
n00b: This made me feel anxious, I like death metal.
Donald Young: I thought the US government used Berg to torture prisoners at Guantanamo. Along with this guy's videos.
Audio Masterclass replies to Donald Young: The police came round the other day and told me I'd need to register my videos with them as deadly weapons. DM
Rick Totty: To each their own. I rarely let anyone listen to my kit. If they ask I will but if they talk I will turn it off.
Douglas Blake replies to Rick Totty: Wow... you must be fun at parties.
Mikko Luoto: In my ears, that sounds unbelievably difficult to play . And yes, Yes, music is physical: I remember the Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison having to fix his hands with duct tape during the gig.
Jay O'Byrne: I didn't hear the stamp 😮 what ! my listening room mustn't be perfect 😢 oh wait I watched this one on my phone on the toilet 😅 still loving the un-scripted vids !!!
Rabb1t Jones: Not quite to my taste I'll admit. I couldn't hear the foot stamp either. I have been listening to some of this concert series in the car as it is being broadcast on the radio here in Alabama.
Karlos: I'm a new comer to your channel..just realised that's not a real background..I'm old...
Audio Masterclass replies to Karlos: What YouTubers who have a green screen will rarely admit is that it saves tidying. DM
Manfred Lankes: Not Back,Back but simply Berg.😂 Greetings from Germany.
The germans have done for the consonants what the hawaiians have done for the vowels-Leo Kottke,guitar legend from Minnesota.
Audio Masterclass replies to Manfred Lankes: Berg being Austrian I tried to imagine Arnold Schwarzeneggar saying his name. I have no skill with accents. DM
Scott Wolf: 5 lbs of pressure in a strike, will break the clavicle.
GONGTOPIA: Is your 'man cave' a green screen image?
I dare say that we percussionists 'suffer' for our art on a regular basis. Many a times I have looked down in the heat of battle, err, playing and seen spatters of blood on my instruments. The first thing is to figure out where the source of the blood is from. Which finger is usually the culprit, (It's too easy to hit your hand/finger on the edge of a drum or other stationary instrument and not really notice it until you see that tell tale pattern of blood droplets on your instruments). Then you asses the damage and decide what to do next. But often you just keep going, because there's really no time to check things out until the composition ends.
Audio Masterclass replies to GONGTOPIA: I had a guitar playing friend who strummed with his fingers. I thought 'I'll try that, I won't ever drop my plectrum'. So I did at my next gig. Blood was spattered. And yes, it's my green screen which saves me tidying. DM
Martin Maynard: 'I have suffered for my art now it's your turn' Neil Innes.
Audio Masterclass replies to Martin Maynard: It's a good joke that many have stolen. DM
Wouter Kolkman: Beautiful music, well played! I only heard the foot stamping when you played it for a second time - yes, I do play violin.
Timothy Freeseha: I guess I'd sacrifice the pressing need to appear attractive for my Art. Dressed head to foot and hope someone recognizes my talent.
Audio Masterclass replies to Timothy Freeseha: It was a female friend of mine who prompted this as we were looking through the Wigmore Hall's season programme. All of the ladies were attractive, most of the men nondescript. DM
frogandspanner: 0:15 NO : you went to see the concert, because hearing is only part of the experience.
Joel Carson: There is music that I listen to only every now and again when I am in a particular mood, because there are things about it that I find very interesting. But these are not my normal listening genres. For example, Queens of the Stone Age, after a bit I seem to get listening fatigue but their music has a lot of really interesting sonic touches. I'm rather fond of a great deal of progressive rock, but I don't listen to "Tales from Topographic Oceans" once a week, but I do listen to it.
duncan rmi replies to Joel Carson: oddly, qotsa are one of the few modern rock bands that have managed to retain some dynamics in their music; I suspect the fatiguing effect is something other than the digital processing or the loudness wars in their case. not sure. I also get tired of josh's voice after a few songs too.... 🤨
Al Alder: You certainly have to suffer for you art if you need to sit through that row!
Gabriel Godwin: I suppose it depends on exactly what you mean by "suffer". I couldn't even count how many dreadful groups I've recorded with awful equipment and a singer(s) that couldn't carry a tune with a forklift. However, I get paid for that.
On the other hand, I might only make 0.00001 penny an hour for my own music... but I don't consider that a hardship.
As far as actual physical harm, I get a lot more doing instrument repair and working on cars.
Gabriel Godwin replies to Gabriel Godwin: @Audio Masterclass I heard it was the biggest club around, I just had to join.
Audio Masterclass replies to Gabriel Godwin: You’re in the decimal point four zero club too. Congratulations. DM
anahatamelodeon: I knew hardly anything about the Berg violin concerto until I got to play in a performance of it the 1970s, and it's been one of my favourite pieces ever since. It's amazing that a work using the 12 tone technique pioneered by Schoenberg can sound so haunting and atmoshperic (it's not all as chaotic as the excerpt featured here!) I didn't know it was on the Proms, will check out on BBC sounds when I have time to listen to it all. As for physical damage from playing instruments, I think every musician gets some of that, some worse than others.
Audio Masterclass replies to anahatamelodeon: 1970s.. the ink was hardly dry. DM
Ships Ahoy: 👍I’m listening to Nigel Kennedy right now with
the London Philharmonic!😆
A mid ‘80’s recording from “West Germany.”
Okko Kamu conducting.
Ships Ahoy replies to Ships Ahoy: @Audio Masterclass 👍Nice, Dave! Well, I don’t have cello (unfortunately, as I do love their sound), but with all the other instruments that are piled up around here, I was already out of room!🤣😉
I don’t want to enjoy just hearing music, I want to know and experience as much as I can about how it’s accomplished, from various perspectives.😉
Audio Masterclass replies to Ships Ahoy: @Ships Ahoy I have a violin, viola, and cello. Whether I can play any of them would be for others to decide. DM
Ships Ahoy replies to Ships Ahoy: @Audio Masterclass Seems like most of the time, Janine records popular composers that happen to be favorites of mine, so she’s OK in my book ! ..and she also plays viola !, but I guess what respectable violin player wouldn’t be able to play viola too, I mean I play a bit of violin, and viola myself, but I’m just a
hack lol (I’m not kidding about that last part😉).
Ships Ahoy replies to Ships Ahoy: @Audio Masterclass Lol, I can EASILY rattle off more than a dozen reasonably well-known violin players, that are indeed the best also, but I’ll spare you😉
Audio Masterclass replies to Ships Ahoy: He’s the best. Or is it Janine Jansen? DM
Tai Dee: I can only laugh at this, it's commendable from everyone involved
Sammys Bild & Klang erLeben: just ... perfect!
Rod Salka: I suffer at my job
Tony Jedi Of The Forest: Sorry I didn’t like that clip of music, I like a nice tune I’m afraid but I do understand that some people like it. When I first heard Mike Oldfields Amarok I thought it was just a mess of random sounds but by persevering I found many pleasant tunes in it and now play it regularly.
Mr FOAD: Drumming in extreme metal ... for me it can be a torturous slog at times. Very physically demanding, emotionally draining when progress is slow. Sometimes I wonder why I even do it 🤣
AT1272 replies to Mr FOAD: Its amazing how you can watch someone play the drums intensely and still not be able to figure out exactly what it is they're doing. The best is when they swivel their heels left and right when playing double bass. How that can increase speed is incredible. It obviously works, but who would even think of doing something like that? Its incredible.
Audio Masterclass replies to Mr FOAD: I don’t mind a bit of metal as long as I can control the volume. If it’s good it doesn’t have to be loud. DM
Matthew: I suffer to, with the neighbours knocking the walls, especially when listening to dave brubeck and the quartets
Bostonblessed: She sounds like a very physical player. That sounded almost menacing
Audio Masterclass replies to Bostonblessed: Yes. Her violin suffers for her art. DM
thexfile: AI will ease her suffering...🎻
Ed Dents: Thanks for sharing that information!
I say let her wear sneakers, blue jeans and a buttoned up shirt if that is what it takes to preserve her virtuoso ability for as long as possible. She can change out of her "work clothes" post performance into the impractical " formal wear" to sip champange with the patrons.
Audio Masterclass replies to Ed Dents: It’s a sad fact that violin players retire early while pianists can go on and on. I could hypothesise why but if you like a performer, see them while you can. DM
TB Player: Here is some “art” of a different form. I’d call it a mix of jazz and classical fusion. None the less, it’s a beautiful tune with stunning piano and soprano sax solos. It’s my understanding that it was recorded using a pair of stereo mics only. The tone of the double bass is gorgeous. Enjoy all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfzi19Dvma0
DAbanjo: I play banjo for a living, so not only do i have to suffer, everyone else within earshot does as well!
The Undertaker replies to DAbanjo: I absolutely freaking love Banjo and it is arguably one of my all time favorite instruments. Its tunes always brighten up my day, and never ceases to put the silliest smile of joy on my face
Mike Penney: I've tried to understand it, but I find almost all of Schoenberg/Webern/Berg's music unpleasant.
After a minute or two, I've had enough.
The exception is Berg's Violin Concerto.
Audio Masterclass replies to Mike Penney: I think many would make this exception given a listening opportunity. DM
Carlito Melon: Yes, but why make us suffer?
It would have been kind of you to edit out your mistakes, no?
Carlito Melon replies to Carlito Melon: @Audio Masterclass 🤔🙄😫 Thanks
Audio Masterclass replies to Carlito Melon: No.
Jack Evans: It is amazing what a person dedicated to a craft will go through to get what they want out of their instrument (or whatever other tools they employ). I'm very impressed with her obvious dedication and the effort she puts in to her music. Also, I'm not familiar with Alban Berg, I'll have to check that out. Thank you very much for sharing this. It's so easy for me to get stuck in a rut of listening to the music I know and not learning more about other genres.
Dale Boylen replies to Jack Evans: And we practice for thousands of hours only to be told "Music should be FREE"
My answer is "When Martin Gives away D-28's, Yamaha gives away Piano's and Motif keyboards, Nuemann gives away mics, recording studios are built for free, hardware and software are free for the studio, engineers work for nothing, i'll think about it"
Soon enough you'll all have mostly A/I generated music with no soul, no human emotion. I bet it won't be free either.
RobH: Pianist Glenn Gould in one way had a perfect and flawless (if 'individual') technique, though suffered considerable back problems due to the 'medically' poor posture he employed. However, despite general pain and stress musicians abilities are comparatively little affected by old age - it is usually younger players with incorrect technique that are hit by physical issues. One of the significant 'sufferings' imo is the complete loss of childhood with the hours and hours a budding international soloist needs. Berg - it's a paradox how romantic in style some 12 tone music is. I found Wozzeck a bit hard going!
Audio Masterclass replies to RobH: Few come out of Wozzeck whistling the tunes. DM
Iain Bowman: Nice piece of music!
SimbosanYT: it's other people who do!
Stan Steel: Not to sure what i find worse… That terrible soulless rubbish or the Rap music of todays artists.. CARDI B , Megan tha Stallion. It all sound like complete and utter noise pollution. I do hope you got your money back.
Stan Steel replies to Stan Steel: @Rod Salka I bet you loved watching BARBIE! 🤣
Rod Salka replies to Stan Steel: I'll take all rap over urban femoid music
Bostonblessed replies to Stan Steel: Some rap music is good. I used to not consider it music but I try to look at things with open eyes. Back when rock started they went electric to make big sound with just a couple guitars because they didn't have an orchestra and people said that was trash . The same goes with the beginning of rap and hip hop it started out in the inner city and they just spun records and used samples because they couldn't afford instruments and the told stories about inner city struggles but it turned into a whole thing from that and I do agree about kardi b and alot of the trash they are feeding the youth but there are some talented rappers and it's not all bad and you have to try to have an open mind. That's how things evolve. I don't really like modern country I think it's dumbed down but a lot of my friends listen to it and once in awhile I hear something and like it. But everyone has a right to there opinion
Stan Steel replies to Stan Steel: @R-rated studios listen, being an old fart, there was amazing music to be heard way back (Even Rap n HipHop)… but today…. HA! Are you really thinking that in 40 years time folks will know about the one hit wonders that the deaf ears are listening to on their phones are going to remember? I don’t think so. I’d love to come back to this quote what I’m saying some how in 40 years time and prove my point. You can do what you do… BUT… it’s all gonna be forgotten because that’s the way folks look at music these days.
Stan Steel replies to Stan Steel: @Douglas Blake DARE SAY IT! I adore good disco ‘AND’ it’s becoming the new big thing again with all the main producers getting ahold of original masters from the studios and putting their own spin on them. DISCO also has no expiry date and you can put any track on the filled the dance floors on at a party and EVERYONE will sing the words unlike todays rubbish!
Optimize: Yes, it is not only marks here and there.
Violinist have generally hearing damage in that side there they are trying to shove in the violin.😂
(Just imagine the dB there is coming from the violin at a inch from it when we enjoy it unamplified many many meters away from it..)
A good audiologist can with hearing test results can determine what or where the symphonic performer is playing for instrument or where they are placed in the orchestra.😮
It is a pity that they don't take more care of themselves.😢
John replies to Optimize: Yeah like hearing plugs by etymotic or something
marxman00: Well...Viledins are just badly designed instruments