This new digital age has marked the begining of the end for passionate studio performance. With the development of Midi devices and techniques music is going to take a tragic leap into the deepest wards of the abyss.
Now one may argue that Midi devices are extremely useful and I must confess that I agree. Imagine the possibilities of using a simple keyboard plugged into the interface of a computer-based studio. With this keyboard any instrument’s sound is at your finger tips. Imagine using a keyboard to record a violin, or a trumpet, or even a glockenspiel. And it is also true that the sound quality will be close to perfect. There will be no room noise from a microphone incorrectly leveled and no weakness in tone or pitch. It also makes production affordable. The studio no longer has the need for studio musician which means there is less money wasted on paying these musicians. From a financial and sound quality stand point Midi is saving the world.
However, Midi eliminates the most important part of playing music: THE FEELING. Each note played can be interpreted differently. And the only person who can understand the passion and significance of each note is the musician himself. Just like writing or sculpting or painting or even filming, music depends solely on emotion. Since it is, to my knowledge, true that machine do not have the ability to feel, it is then impossible for them to create music in its truest form. The notes may have exceptional pitch and tone, but it still lacks a closeness to the song. Everyone must admit that, at least, once in his life he has been brought to tears by a musical performance, of any genre, which was beautiful and passionate. When has a Mac computer shown you beauty or passion?
Music performed by a musician who loves his music is the only true musical experience. Instead of trying to benefit from saved time or money consider this: do I want my music to be convenient or do I want my music to be beautiful?
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i really like your blog topic. I struggle to mold my own clear opinion on this because midi is so fascinating and useful. but I do agree a lot is lost when using only that. Perhaps blending the two?
Could there be both convenience and beauty in music? What if a band uses midi to get clear and perfect sound quality, but can still recreate the sound on stage. Rough and full of that emotion we crave?
You write:
music is going to take a tragic leap into the deepest wards of the abyss.
What abyss?
If I recall correctly, some organs built long before midi devices created the sounds of trumpets, wind instruments, to name a couple.
I agree that the instrument itself should be used. I prefer sitting before a symphony that one person playing a keyboard that creates all the sounds.
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