in reflection

It was suggested last week that my comments about Tognetti were inappropriate. On reflection, while I wasn't intentionally trying to personally attack Tognetti, I can see some of my words need clarification...

I tagged Jon Rose's article for two reasons: 1. I found the article interesting because it resonated strongly with my own value system; 2. I thought others might be interested in reading it. You could say it's a passing salute to Rose's values and political stance. So rather than an attack on Tognetti, it was supposed to be a reflection of my own views. I'm painfully aware that I could have expressed this more clearly. But I also think I should clarify the purpose of my blog.

A little hummingbird is a space where I can record my thoughts, feelings, experiences and ideas about music - my personal wanderings through the maze of the music world. It is here that I can take off my 'AMC' hat and speak freely about anything I'm passionate about. I might choose to publish reviews, rant and rave about things I'm interested in or simply point to articles or videos that surface in my rummaging through cyberspace. I choose to publish these words in a format that allows others to respond because I think dialogue is important - it helps us to shape our ideas and expand or consolidate our viewpoint.

And its purpose? You can read more about my reasons for blogging here. I also recently co-wrote an article about blogging here as well as another about online documentation. But essentially it all comes down to my passion for music, writing and the dialogue surrounding music.

a confused little kerri-anne

I just came across this hilarious excerpt from talkshow host kerri-anne's TV series. She is interviewing Australian composer Jon Rose about his electrified violin bows and is completely bewildered by his instrument and performance.

You can listen to Jon Rose here as guest announcer on Bowed Radio - an online radio station that highlights string players all over the world. In the background between works you can hear a recording of one of his fence performances (I think it is a fence in Bourke, NSW?). His website has an amazing amount of resources about all that is stringed... he's written a great article about the ridiculous amount of money spent on the Guarneri del Gesù violin which was given to Richard Tognetti earlier this year. Rose is right: "the concept of a $10,000,000 violin sounds out the smiling but ugly face of capitalism". How Tognetti manages to play that bloody instrument without guilt weighing heavily on his back, I'll never know! It makes my skin crawl...

this is not art

I've been trying to get up to Newcastle on the October long weekend for the last few years, but there always seemed to be an adventure to be had elsewhere. This year I'm actually going! Three festivals in one - inspiration, creativity, partying and general mischief - for five whole days! What more could a girl want! This is Not Art festival, Electrofringe and the National Young Writers Festival. See you all there!