So, we had a gig this weekend; two, in fact. Music of John Dowland (yes, because Sting did it first); some secular music of William Byrd; a couple contemporary things in older styles (kinda sorta). Went well; much better than I was expecting. I may perhaps post one of the pieces for the CMFC, if I can get the recording.

I've also told them that I won't be returning for the next term. So at the after-party, there were teary farewells. But I think it was the right decision.

For me, music is all about precision, getting things exactly right. For that to happen, the conductor needs to be able to communicate exactly what's wanted. I did not feel that from this conductor. So very often, there's no there there. She cannot possibly mean what she's said, which leaves me wondering if there's any semantic content buried in there at all.

The choir is of a relatively high caliber. It's not professional quality, by any means, and if we tried to sell CDs, only our friends would (or should) buy them. But still, we do complex music and we do it rather well (if I say so myself). There are some problems early on learning notes, and absolutely no help or advice is given on that subject.

And the practical details, like the musical ones, are often not communicated at all, or miscommunicated, or forgotten.

I think it was iGrrrl who relayed a quote from the drummer in Bone Dance to the effect that he's in it for good music, good money, good fun. The cash flow is in the opposite direction (there's some ticket income, which with membership dues, provides a small stipend to the conductor and other folks, such as, this time, the lutenist). The last year or two it hasn't been much fun.

As for good music, some of it really is. Some if it is really not, and was justly forgotten. I've tried, and I can't like madrigals. They're just uninteresting to me, both as to the subject matter, and because the music is flashy and difficult, just for the sake of being flashy and difficult.

John Dowland is a pop star who's been dead nigh on four centuries. The original Emo Kid, in many ways. Perhaps he should rest in peace.

But it's sad. This has been one of the major creative outlets in my life these past few years (I started not long before I started on my first NaNo in 2003). I shall miss the singers, most of them.

:-(