Recording Technique, Scores and Philosophy
Recordings: I use the Edirol R-1 Wav/MP3 Recorder (24bit/44.1khz) with Sony ECM-MS907 stereo microphone, to record single-take tracks, which I then drop into Nero Wave Editor to add Reverb and Normalise (boosts the volume a little). The whole lot cost only 400 pounds sterling. The resultant sound is acceptable, though hardly as good as an expensive studio. But it does allow me to do as many recordings as I want, even alternate takes, and at a negligible price - so you, dear listener, can hear it all for free. Please note that there is no splicing together of different takes, as is the norm these days. Rather, each file is a single-take performance. It is my hope that this 'live' element will be seen in a positive light, despite the odd fluffed note.
Scores: I can, of course, read all tablature notation, but prefer French tab (using letters on the strings rather than numbers). So I have reintabulated the scores using the Fronimo software ( Email Fronimo if you would like to purchase this tablature software). I have added a transcription stave pitched at E for the first string. This allows guitarists to make their own arrangements of the notes. By tuning the third string down a semitone to F Sharp, guitarists can use the exact same fingering as vihuelistas. Please note that the transcription was done automatically by Fronimo, and I have made no attempt to change, for example, G Flat to F Sharp (a time consuming process!). So it might look a little odd in places (for which I apologise), but rest assured the notes are correct and will sound right - and it is free!
Many other scores online here (Django format).
Feedback: I would love to hear your comments. Email me: robmackillop@gmail.com
Philosophy: Much of the repertoire I play was never conceived for the modern concert hall or compact disc, nor, for that matter, MP3 files. Very often solo vihuela playing was a solitary pastime, or used in love play between two people. It is the intimacy which attracts us. The expense involved in doing a thoroughly professional CD recording is immense compared to sales, which is why record companies now expect the performer to raise funds through sponsorship or out of their own pocket. This stuff just doesn't sell in tens of thousands of units. I have abandoned any idea of going that route. With the above simple equipment, I can record when I feel moved to play. It is just me, the vihuela and the microphone. Within ten minutes it can be available to the world through the Internet at no cost. This way more people can share in the music. My preferred way of listening to this music and other early music recordings I download from other performers, is on a good pair of headphones through an MP3 player. With eyes closed in a darkened room, the intimacy is all embracing. I hope other performers will set aside their concern about less than perfect recordings and the odd fluffed note, and get back to a more real and intimate performance standard. Over-edited CDs take away more than they give. Listeners will respond to a genuine performance, even with the odd moments of heavy breathing and finger noise (impossible to get away from - should you wish to - with gut strings).