- Part of 'A topology of musical encounter' (summary) -
Generalistics are data that describe in most global terms the characteristics of the musician and his music. On the personal level these can be name, date and place of birth, nationality, general descricption of occupation. On the musical level there is a similar generalisation expressed in a description of musical style and basic information about instrumental practice. The assembly of general and individualistic is, strangely enough, a contradiction in terms. That which is individual is not accounted to be general and vice versa. These generalistics are, up until today, by far the most-used standards how one’s position is determined in the musicworld, and how musical connections are established. Connections between musicians are almost exclusively formed on the basis of style, or in the case of cross-over mixing one certain style with another, whereas the description of ‘a style’ usually only scratches the surface of the actual views, knowledge and skills of the musician involved. Conservatories are for the large part organised in departments around categories of instruments, although the musician’s interests may be completely opposite and only connected through the fact they play the same instrument.
As may be clear from the above said, these general individualistics are in most cases the least informative, least intimate, and therefore the least determining element in the musical identity. Still we can’t leave them out of consideration, they are unavoidable. They provide a musician a profile, a rough shape that outlines the interior consciousness. Sometimes already on this level some elementary directions are shown that are significant in the musicians view.
Foremost I am a performer in Latin and Cuban percussion. I don’t consider myself a very sublime artist, more a craftswoman and enterpriser in music. The percentage of my work as a musician that I consider a craft is maybe 95%, and the other 5% is the holy inspiration and originality.
- in conversation with Leticia, percussionist and teacher
This compact presentation of Leticia’s basic musical attitude reveals in a nutshell the content of her musicpractice– a skilled mastering of the existing Latin percussion tradition. Her musical ideals are of a basic nature, close to the direct enjoyment of the sounds and the rhythms, and focused on their application in life - in concert practice, dancing parties and teaching. The fact that she considers herself an enterpriser shows furthermore a sign connected to a larger social development. Many musicians, including myself, put the description ‘enterpriser’ high on the list of professional occupation. Therewith the analysis of generalistics can lead to a first sketch of one’s inner experience and outer surrounding.
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