Musical Origins

Music, Past Present Future

Musical Origins Blog

Senior Ventures Class

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Today began early with a fantastic Senior Ventures group. Since all but two of the participants had seen the presentation before, we were able to explore new ground, and follow whatever directions the discussion took us. And that turned out to be many directions. I love the Senior Venturers. Such an unquenchable zest for knowledge, so sophisticated and well informed. It is always a pleasure to pass time with them.

Early on, a woman offered the information that playing an instrument has been found to keep Altzheimer's disease at bay. If you have heard of this, I am happy to confirm that she is absolutely right. As it turns out, there is practically nothing as good for the brain as playing an instrument. Just a few minutes a day can also help those suffering from depression, those recovering from brain injuries, or working through learning disabilities, as well as anyone attempting to master a complex skill, compete more sucessfully at work, enjoy better grades, or just feel more balanced and happy. If you are reading this, and do not already play, I hope that you will take up a musical instrument as soon as possible. Don't delay. Playing can improve your brain at any age, and you might as well start now. In five years you can just be five years older, or you can be five years into playing an instrument. The years will pass anyway. Spend them playing. Give yourself that joy.

Prehistoric Flutes

Pictured here are two acoustic wind instruments, made in modern times.The 40,000 year old flute on the right was carved from the wing bone of a griffin vulture. It is among the earliest musical instruments yet discovered.krum1-225x300krum1-225x300

What I find so amazing is the design of the finger holes. The area around the holes has been carved to make it easier to cover them with a good seal. It really does make the horn feel faster under the hands to have this artful little feature.

Vulture_wingbone_flute-177x300Vulture_wingbone_flute-177x300One can see the same technique used on the two instruments from my collection, on the left a tenor krumhorn (by Koerber) and alongside it, a bamboo transverse flute (by Bacon). This nicety is common among traditional woodwind instruments of many cultures. It is exciting to see that it was developed so early. Such subtlety! Details like this make me suspect that prehistoric music was much more nuanced than we normally imagine it to be, as well. 

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