Play an instrument? Or play a recording?

[Another Johnson]

I’m recuperating from both left and right total shoulder replacements. I’d given up playing instruments because my shoulders were so bad that I had no choice.

In recuperation, I’m finding that as I gain facility and can play again, it is much more fun to make music than to play recordings.

Obviously they’re very different activities. Making music is creative. Playing recordings engages the intellect, but it’s really a critical analysis rather than a real creation.

Those who are audiophiles AND musicians, which do you find more satisfying, playing an instrument, or playing a recording?

 

[Another Johnson]

It’s been 1 day short of 4 weeks and no one has responded.

I’m not surprised. If you can’t do, teach … and if you can’t teach, go into administration.

This extrapolates to:
If you can’t play, listen … and if you’re not good at listening, become a critic.

This industry is summarized by sound, not music.

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for July 24, 1995 | GoComics.com

Calvin: People ask why we tolerate a popular culture that celebrates violence and depravity. Because it's entertaining, that's why! If warped values are the price of a vicarious thrill, so be it! Let the business respond to consumer demand! Hobbes: The customer is always right. Calvin...

www.gocomics.com

 

[No Regrets]

Hello,

I just happened upon your thread and find it to be an interesting question.

I've been a lover of music my whole life! I've played musical instruments for over 40 years; both the tenor and bass trombone in jazz venues and my Montagnana cello in classical venues.

The question as to what would "I" rather do..... play an instrument or play a recording? The short answer is... both, but depends.

The longer answer may be too long winded and boring to most readers. So, I'll try and condense my thoughts, lol.

It depends on my mood and motivation.....

Playing an instrument for myself can be
1. therapeutic to me in a spiritual (not religious) way.
2. helps me to grow and develop, which can be very self-rewarding; maybe similar to someone who trains for a marathon?


Playing an instrument with other musicians can be
1. about creating fellowship on a deeper level. As an example, I've studied for years with a Russian cellist who was mentored by Valentin Berlinsky, of the world famed Borodin String Quartet. She is a life long full blooded Russian and as such, her English is very broken and extremely difficult to understand. However, when we play music together, whether we are performing duets on our cellos or if she is accompanying me on her Steinway concert grand piano, we can communicate in the most beautiful way. Music is a universal language that transcends the spoken word. The beauty of the music that is created and produced by two people who are from the opposite ends of the earth; from completely different spoken languages and completely different cultures is surreal.

Playing an instrument while performing for an audience can be
1. about touching the inner souls of others in such an amazing way; evoking their emotions; inspiring their aspirations.
2. collaborating with other musicians, lifting each other up, much like a team sport.
3. it can warm your heart when the music that you perform connects and touches others in such a positive way and unites people with a common interest and love for music

Playing a recording can be
1. for inspiration for myself, in an introspective way.
2. to learn and to understand and to appreciate the different interpretations of compositions performed by other talented musicians.
3. to simply calm my soul, to slow me down and stop the racing thoughts of everyday life running through my mind.

So, at the end of the day.... I find enjoyment equally from playing an instrument as well as from listening to a recording, but it is in different ways.

Best wishes,
Don

 

[Thundersnow]

Play an instrument with other people. So much more gratifying.

 

[adrianywu]

I am glad someone brought up this issue. I have been playing the piano since I was 7, and for many years during my youth, I was practising 3 to 4 hour everyday. I became interested in home audio while I was in uni, and Pro Audio about 20 years ago. I had always wanted to learn a string instrument, and started taking up the Erhu about a year ago. I am still at least 6 years from retirement (if I can afford it when the time comes), which means a limited amount of free time. Add to that the need to do regular exercise, stretching etc. that comes with age, it is really about time allocation. On the other hand, the kids are all grown and so no more swim meets, hockey matches, math tutorials, and yes, music lessons. I am of the mindset that I am still capable of improvement, both for the piano and of course, the Erhu, but even in tennis. That means it makes sense for me to work on these areas instead of spending time doing something that results in no net gain. I have spent a great deal of time learning about electronics, acoustics, recording techniques etc. and I am glad I did. A large part of my audio system is DIY (speakers, amps, preamps, phono and tape preamps), which I feel surpasses any commercial products that I can afford. I have no urge to upgrade anything anymore. And so, I give myself goals in learning new pieces, improving technique in areas that are deficient etc. I allocate time, daily if possible, for that. When I feel I have achieved my daily goal, I would relax and listen to my system. There will come a time when practising becomes futile, and I will most likely spend more time just listening.