1. The rift between vocal and written canntaireachd 2. The rationale behind a proposed colour scheme 3. Case study 1: Hiharin hiodreen – One of the Cragich (PS 36) 4. Case study 1 (cont.): testing a coloured vocable score Part 5 concludes case study 1. In Part 4, I began identifying issues that arise when music from canntaireachd sources is shared in the conventional way, using staff […]
colour
Using colour to convey musical pitches – Part 4
PART 1. The rift between vocal and written canntaireachd PART 2. The rationale behind a proposed colour scheme PART 3. Case study 1: Hiharin hiodreen – One of the Cragich (PS 36) Part 4 is a continuation of Case study 1. Experiments with different desktop printers prompt me to lighten the colour of high A in order to make the proposed set […]
Using colour to convey musical pitches – Part 3
PART 1. The rift between vocal and written canntaireachd PART 2. The rationale behind a proposed colour scheme PART 3. Case study 1: Hiharin hiodreen – One of the Cragich (PS 36) This series is dedicated to the memory of Lt Cl David Murray who awakened debate on the notation and timing of hiharin over 50 years ago. He was a source of tremendous encouragement […]
Using colour to convey musical pitches – Part 2
In Part 1, I observed how the difference between sound waves and light waves has severed the vocal practice of canntaireachd from its written forms. In this part, I explain the rationale for a colour system that could heal the rift, making canntaireachd easier to handle. I have been using colour to communicate pitches in music education since 1995. That was when I bought […]
Using colour to convey musical pitches – Part 1
This series of posts seeks to elucidate canntaireachd, pibroch’s oldest tool for memorisation and musical understanding. In this part, I notice how the difference between sound waves and light waves has severed the vocal practice of canntaireachd from its written forms. I propose that colour could heal this rift, making canntaireachd less confusing and more useful in the 21st century. 200 years ago, John MacCrimmon fingered his walking stick […]
The MacFarlanes’ Gathering (Too Long in this Condition)
This tune presents excellent opportunities for amateurs and professionals to make tired ears prick up and pay attention. It is one of those tunes begging for a fresh interpretation by a piper who wants to offer something extra – a memorable and authoritative performance that stands out from the crowd. Every year at the Piobaireachd Society Conference, I hear the Music Committee longing […]