Re: Banjos and maestros
I'll start by saying that the two best comics ever were/are 'The Far Side' and 'Calvin & Hobbes'.
With that aside, I am going to contribute a bit of enlightenment to those not accustomed to a banjo in a symphonic environment (he stated with tongue in cheek).
George Gershwin composed 'Porgy and Bess' as an English language jazz opera. Subsequent to that it was arranged into what was/is termed a symphonic picture for symphony orchestra. I found this version way back when I was in high school, and by the time I transitioned from vinyl to CDs, I had worn out two vinyl discs.
In this symphonic picture (arranged by Robert Russel Bennett, better known for the score to 'Victory at Sea') early on the orchestra plays 'Summertime' with 'I Got Plenty O' Nothin' coming next. At the conclusion of 'Summertime' the orchestra is in full crescendo in the build up 'I Got Plenty O' Nothin'. Then suddenly, the full orchestra drops off and a solo banjo starts 'I Got Plenty O' Nothin'. That banjo is a dramatic counterpoint to the force of the full orchestra.
To this day it is still one of my favorite pieces of music. My stereo has plenty of power, and this is one of the recordings I like to play at my preferred listening level. This is best done when the bride is not here.
For anyone interested, there is a video on Youtube of one of these performances. At the conclusion the maestro had the banjo player stand, and he got a tremendous ovation. In my estimation it was well deserved. It adds that much to the performance.
So I think the banjo is a wonderful musical instrument. Since the discussion also made mention of bagpipes, let me add that I don't think 'Amazing Grace' can be properly done without bagpipes. Listen to the Il Divo version and I think you will agree.
And so concludeth today's cultural commentary.