YANNI SUCKS
M. Inman
WHO would agree with me that Yanni sucks. Who would disagree? Please
support your answer.
Keith Wiley
> WHO would agree with me that Yanni sucks. Who would disagree? Please
> support your answer.
Why support my answer when you didn't bother supporting yours.
. . .. ... ..... ........ ............. .....................
.. ... ..... ....... ........... ............. .................
. .. .... ........ ................ ................................
Keith Wiley, Electrogenetic Engineer *
University of Maryland at College Park * * * * * *
email: kei...@wam.umd.edu *** ** * * ** *
world wide web: http://www.wam.umd.edu/~keithw * ** ** ***
David Young
M. Inman wrote:
>
> WHO would agree with me that Yanni sucks. Who would disagree? Please
> support your answer.
I have seen very little of Yanni in print and heard precious little of
him. But I have seen and heard a little and there is one thing that
crosses my mind with the little experience that I have had. I am under
the impression that he has written for computer... something that is
easy for any of us to do, having computer notation programs available to
us. What I am trying to say, is that if you have a computer program
available to you, it becomes very easy to write a piece of music with a
flowing tempo and easy harmonies that sounds "nice" to the average
listener. Make your meter 5/8 at a brisk tempo and plug in the notes as
fast as you can, all falling more or less in an easy listening tempo.
Adding a bunch of "syncopation" grabs the ear of the easy listener.
This is the feeling that I got in the 45 seconds of listening to him on
TV and the five minutes that I spend purusing some sheet music of his at
a music store. I have heard even less of John Tesh and wonder if he has
done the same thing. Obviously it has sold CD's, sheet music and made
television appearances for both of them. I don't think that the music
is very sophisticated and I don't believe that the music makes use of
thoughtful and skillful techniques to better clarify emotions and
feelings. The music as a whole does not say anything but rather seems
to be somewhat numbing reducancy of the fast tempo - syncopation - usual
harmonies type of writing. I believe that having a computer notation
program with playback capacity allows one, without much sweat, to reel
off lots of music of this nature.
Now I admit that I haven't heard a lot of his (their) music and may be
passing judgement prematurely. But the feeling that I got is that his
(their) music does not embody much creativity or command of composing.
I would be curious as to any contrary opinions.
David Young
DYo...@fcs.net
Michael Hassell
M. Inman wrote:
>
> WHO would agree with me that Yanni sucks. Who would disagree? Please
> support your answer.
Dear M.,
Can you refrain from using the word "sucks" when referring to your
opinion about so many, many different things. Our language is rich
with perjoratives denoting dissatisfaction; this reader would
appreciate your varying your criticisms from time to time to include
other words. This way, we know your education is finally catching up
with you.
Yanni is making a living and has a following who feel compelled to
enrich him. In this day and age of conspicuous consumption and
unbridled excess, who are we to argue?
(Translation: Several of us probably wish we were making as much money
as this pointy-headed, tarty hooligan is, but we ain't, so what's the
point getting a hairball about it?)
As it was with Mitch Miller, Fred Waring, et alia, this too shall
pass.
Mike H.
pcol...@forest.drew.edu
In article <32D151...@worldnet.att.net>, Michael Hassell <Has...@worldnet.att.net> writes:
> Can you refrain from using the word "sucks" when referring to your
> opinion about so many, many different things. Our language is rich
[deletia]
> other words. This way, we know your education is finally catching up
> with you.
Or vice-versa ;)
[more deletia]
> (Translation: Several of us probably wish we were making as much money
> as this pointy-headed, tarty hooligan is, but we ain't, so what's the
> point getting a hairball about it?)
>
> Mike H.
Ha! I never noticed that about Yanni's head! You know, I think this all
boils down to the same old question we ask ourselves now and then as
composers--who are we writing for? When judging others' music--and using
such descriptive words as "sucks"--it becomes a very subjective matter.
We can objectively analyze his music theoretically and observe that he may
not use much variation and that he relies upon trite devices to catch the
average listener's ear and come to the conclusion that he: a) CAN not
write any more intricate, interesting music, or b) DOES not want to write
in any other style than he currently writes. If he's writing the music that
he hears in his own ear as good, enjoying his living, and making good money
at it, all the more power to him! Sure, maybe M. doesn't like Yanni, but,
like you said, there are many more out there who do like Yanni. No
hairballs here!
- Pinney Colton
Matthew H. Fields
I'm not going to express an opinion on Yanni et al. But I will say that
one day my wife suggested that I do a new-age type piece. 2 different
patches on my little piano, a little Indian cowbell I have that just
happens to ring a pretty acurate F, my own singing non-obliggato,
90 minutes later I was done and had it on tape. No biggee...If Harrington
is out there, you're one of the few folks who has heard it...
On the other hand, my Mount Washington Memories took me 13 concentrated months
to write, and 2 years later it was on tape, and I think it was worth it.
--
Matt Fields URL:http://www-personal.umich.edu/~fields
Matthew H. Fields
If one wishes to express the opinion that a person represents some sort of
void into which things disappear, or that their music represents a void
into which hours of listening disappear with no enjoyment being displaced
back towards the listener, then perhaps "sucks" is a useful word there.
But you'd have to explain your useage---that's not the usual metaphor.
Ever seeking precision...
Jason Heft
Oh I get it now. So you (david Young) don't think that any of yani's
work is creative eh? Why don't you try sitting down, and writing a
peice as difficult. Even if Yani did sit down at a computer and write
it the way you say he did, what makes you think that it wouldn't be
considered creative. I have seen a lot of work produced this way and I
have found it in some cases more interesting then some of the other
music out there. And another thing, what makes you think there is
know feeling in his music. Obviosly Millions of people all over the
world would dissagree with you about that. If he can captivate
audiances all over the world then his music must be doing something
otherwise he would be just another joe playing at a club. When you (if
you) get to his level of profesionalism, then you can critique him and
his work.
And to the first guy, I disagree! But, thats my opinion and I do
respect your opinion.
Jason Heft
Robert Davidson
This is interesting, but I don't know that something which takes longer
for the same composer) is more worthwhile. Most of my best music was
written in a mad rush (though not all). And some Beatles tunes, amongst
the most significant musical creations of the century, took a couple of
hours from go to woe.
I'm not advocating new age music though, which to my ears usually fails
not by being easy to do, but by being untouched by the darker side of
things (unlike Eno, Budd, Fripp etc from which it has descended).
Robert Davidson
Peter J. Wall
> WHO would agree with me that Yanni sucks. Who would disagree? Please
> support your answer.
I don't think it's that Yanni sucks. It's that his style of composition is
not something that you are familiar with and find pleasing.
Jeff Fried
Michael Hassell wrote:
> As it was with Mitch Miller, Fred Waring, et alia, this too shall
> pass.
>
> Mike H.
I recently heard a recording of Fred Waring's big band playing Cole
Porter's "Love for Sale". The effect of the dated arrangement,
especially the three little girl voices singing in tight harmonies, is
eerie and pretty cool. I liked it.
-- Jeff.
M. Inman
Wrongo- My opinion on his compositional style is quite positive. And I
am familiar with it.
Michael Hassell
Jeff Fried wrote:
> I recently heard a recording of Fred Waring's big band playing Cole
> Porter's "Love for Sale". The effect of the dated arrangement,
> especially the three little girl voices singing in tight harmonies, is
> eerie and pretty cool. I liked it.
>
> -- Jeff.
Waring (and Miller, and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross -- or Bavanne
(sp?) and the Hi-Los and Nat Cole) were all cool in their time, but
alas, pop idols in America become anachronisms very fast. Sic transit
gloria mundi. The point of my post was that Yanni, too, shall meet the
same fickle end as those who sought redemption from the mob in bygone
days. (Translation: Five, ten years hence, he's old, stale toast).
That should not dissuade anyone from listening to his output, enjoying
it immensely, and helping the guy pay off his mortgage. After all,
he's been given a place in the archives of PBS, n'est pas? ;-)
However, an equal investment in,say, Shostakovich or Copland might
return longer-term benefits to those who really value their time.
Mike H.
mo...@odyssee.net
Michael Hassell <Has...@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>M. Inman wrote:
>>
>> WHO would agree with me that Yanni sucks. Who would disagree? Please
>> support your answer.
>Dear M.,
>Can you refrain from using the word "sucks"
>Mike H.
la seule fois que j'ai entendu Yanni le suceux, j'etais dans un
magasin de musique et j'attendais pour rencontrer quelqu'un et j'ai
ete pogne pour entendre ses ti 7/8 et ses tites tounes
sous-sous-sous-sous-Genesis apres dix minutes je vous jure que j'avais
envie de tout casser...
quant a vos arguments concernant l'argent, ils ne tiennent pas a
partir du moment que vous savez qu'il y a plein de twits sur la terre
qui se promenent en Mercedes.
guy
Peter A. Klein
Matthew H. Fields <fie...@zip.eecs.umich.edu> wrote:
>If one wishes to express the opinion that a person represents some sort of
>void into which things disappear, or that their music represents a void
>into which hours of listening disappear with no enjoyment being displaced
>back towards the listener, then perhaps "sucks" is a useful word there.
>But you'd have to explain your useage---that's not the usual metaphor.
Mais mon cher docteur, surely you recognize zees "Yanni sucks" as a quote
from ze new art film, "Beavis and Butthead Do New Age?" Ze greatest
contribution to culture Americain since Jerry Lewis. . .
(There. I feel *much* better now. . .)
--Peter
--
Peter A. Klein (pkl...@seattleu.edu) : -----==3== --- ---
Network Administrator, LAN/WAN/Novell : | | | | | | | |
Seattle University, 296-5569 : @| @| @| @| @| @| @| @|
Jeff Fried
Michael Hassell wrote:
>
> Jeff Fried wrote:
>
> > I recently heard a recording of Fred Waring's big band playing Cole
> > Porter's "Love for Sale". The effect of the dated arrangement,
> > especially the three little girl voices singing in tight harmonies, is
> > eerie and pretty cool. I liked it.
> >
> > -- Jeff.
>
> Waring (and Miller, and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross -- or Bavanne
> (sp?) and the Hi-Los and Nat Cole) were all cool in their time, but
> alas, pop idols in America become anachronisms very fast. Sic transit
> gloria mundi. The point of my post was that Yanni, too, shall meet the
> same fickle end as those who sought redemption from the mob in bygone
> days. (Translation: Five, ten years hence, he's old, stale toast).
>
Perhaps, but there's also the possibility that future historians will
remember the 20th century as the century where Western pop culture was
dominant and most "serious" artists will be forgotten. When "classical"
music is discussed, the artists who sold the most records, the John
Williams, Phillip Glasses, and conductors/performers might be the ones
who are remembered. Composers such as Copeland may only be remembered
for his popular works such as Fanfare for the Common Man.
I'm not saying this is what will happen nor do I necessarily prefer pop
music to the more serious stuff, but archeologists are going to find
more artifacts dealing with Madonna then, say, Elliot Carter. In the
near future (say the mid 21st century), it may be relatively easy to
show that Aaron Copeland's music is of higher quality than Yanni's, but
who knows how learned musician/historians 500 years from now are going
to react to music of this century. For that matter, they might not even
be learned musician/historians 500 years from now.
-- Jeff.
M. Inman
Could someone translate for me? I have no concept of English let alone
another language.
J. Mark Inman
rick
Matthew H. Fields wrote:
> On the other hand, my Mount Washington Memories took me 13
>concentrated months to write, and 2 years later it was on tape, and I
>think it was worth it.
Not one to disparage honest artistic effort, sitzfleisch, and
sweat, having done my share of it - but my Elegy for String Orchestra
(1989) happened really by "accident" and took all of 6 minutes
to 'compose'.
I was playing at a friend's synthesizer, moving from half-step dyad to
dyad, fooling around with some neat hand-falls and so on, and the
sequencer was running. For yucks, I asked him to play it back (I
recorded it using "Piano" sound), but when he did he accidentally set
the playback for "String Orchestra." I was blown out of my seat!!
It turned out to be a Carl-Ruggles-type gut-wrenching dirge that
I still think of as one of my best pieces.
There *is* such a thing as "pennies from heaven." <g>
Cheers,
Rick
mo...@odyssee.net
pkl...@news.seattleu.edu (Peter A. Klein) wrote:
>Mais mon cher docteur, surely you recognize zees "Yanni sucks" as a quote
>from ze new art film, "Beavis and Butthead Do New Age?" Ze greatest
>contribution to culture Americain since Jerry Lewis. . .
>(There. I feel *much* better now. . .)
>--Peter
CHEERS!!!
D.G. Porter
There's no such thing as gravity, the earth sucks.
So does a black hole, which is what Yanni's music resembles.
Yanni .... "Barney" for adults.
Timothy Kelly
Hi All,
Why does he? And what does he?
I wouldnt buy one of his recordings or pay to go to his concert, the
music is pretty, I listen to it in the listening stations in the record
stores. But I sure see nothing wrong in the guy making a good living
playing his kind of happy music all over the planet.
Someone has to be out there balancing out all the drug and death
music out there.
Maybe he'll team up with John Tesh and Kenny G for a world tour.
Happy Composing
Timothy Kelly
MidiVox
--
MidiVox - Worlds 1st Real Time Voice to Midi. BioSensor Neckband
+ Rack Mount Brain.
Hum, Sing, Scat, Talk, Rap, Croon. AES Best in Show. EM's
Editors Choice. Keyboard "MidiVox Roars."
David Young
Jason Heft wrote:
>
> Oh I get it now. So you (david Young) don't think that any of yani's
> work is creative eh? Why don't you try sitting down, and writing a
> peice as difficult. Even if Yani did sit down at a computer and write
> it the way you say he did, what makes you think that it wouldn't be
> considered creative.
> Jason Heft
Jason may be right. My observations were based upon reviewing a very
limited amount of Yanni music, in score form. Certainly I could be
pursuaded to think differently, perhaps, if I had the opportunity to
listen to more Yanni music. I did look through a book of Yanni sheet
music about 18 months ago. One piece that struck me was a piece in 5/8
meter that was nothing but eighth notes throughout the page (in the
right hand) and some sort of harmony (but not eighth notes) in the left
hand. I didn't note any feel or form to this piece, except for sort of
a 5/8 perpetual motion feeling. I would like to believe, as I suspect a
good many of the newgroup participants here, that I can and do write
more creative and enduring music than this. But then again, Yanni is
successful at composing and I am not, and perhaps this is not one of his
better pieces, or perhaps it sounds a whole lot better when listening to
it than when sight reading it.
Again, I grant you that it is not appropriate to make criticism based
upon limited knowledge, and I recognize this shortcoming.
David Young
McGarrys
Hi Benjamin E. Buck,
I am doing research and I saw your mention of Berg's Violin
Concerto. Could you expand on that: full name and which piece of music
I could look for. We have a relative named Berg, so I was just curious.
Thanks in advance,
===L McGarry
Big whisky
YEP!YEP!YEP!