Comments on: Pre-recorded? So, what? http://musicintrains.williamscomposer.com/2009/02/14/pre-recorded-so-what/ Aesthetics, Theory and More… Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:58:43 -0400 hourly 1 By: Emily Williams http://musicintrains.williamscomposer.com/2009/02/14/pre-recorded-so-what/comment-page-1/#comment-170 Emily Williams Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:00:59 +0000 http://musicintrains.williamscomposer.com/?p=341#comment-170 While I would agree with your overall assessment that sometimes it doesn't matter if the performance is live or recorded I didn't think the reasons you stated from the performer's point of view were very convincing. If someone hires live music, they should understand that's what they are going to get, glitches and all. If professional performers are going to be hired and the money spent on them should not those in attendence receive the live performance they paid for? However, I agree that in the case of the inauguration pre-recorded music was an ok option for the following reasons. 1) It was too cold outside for the performers to be able to execute their music well. 2) It was too cold outside for their instruments. These are really the two most convincing arguments in my mind. Whether or not they might have missed a note here or there is not a consideration in my opinion. What constitutes a "sub-standard" performance anyway? Performers as much as anyone else are human, and so should be expected to make mistakes. It is true that CD's hold performers to a high level of execution, but reality is that you can't be expected to give a CD performance everytime. That's part of what makes music enjoyable. The nuances here and there, even the imperfections make music speak to the heart. I have to say that I think I agree more with "the flip side" in most instances. While I would agree with your overall assessment that sometimes it doesn’t matter if the performance is live or recorded I didn’t think the reasons you stated from the performer’s point of view were very convincing.

If someone hires live music, they should understand that’s what they are going to get, glitches and all. If professional performers are going to be hired and the money spent on them should not those in attendence receive the live performance they paid for? However, I agree that in the case of the inauguration pre-recorded music was an ok option for the following reasons.

1) It was too cold outside for the performers to be able to execute their music well.
2) It was too cold outside for their instruments.

These are really the two most convincing arguments in my mind. Whether or not they might have missed a note here or there is not a consideration in my opinion. What constitutes a “sub-standard” performance anyway? Performers as much as anyone else are human, and so should be expected to make mistakes. It is true that CD’s hold performers to a high level of execution, but reality is that you can’t be expected to give a CD performance everytime. That’s part of what makes music enjoyable. The nuances here and there, even the imperfections make music speak to the heart. I have to say that I think I agree more with “the flip side” in most instances.

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