Dulcimer virtuoso Drew Feckelbender points out where he discovered the new musical note.
| Do you have a musical artist, event, or topic you would like featured in this column? I love to hear from readers. Send comments to: phil@ fullhouseproductions.net. To be included in the free listing of live music events, send details to: Articles published weekly in the Permission granted to reproduce articles and photos with credit to: |
Amateur musician discovers new note
by Phil Houseal
July 7, 2010
A professor at MIT has announced startling news. Researchers at the prestigious school have confirmed the discovery of a new musical note.
The new tone was discovered by amateur musician Drew Feckelbender during his Beginning Dulcimer class.
According to Hiram Aksent, Professor of Advanced Clavier Temporing, this note had never been heard before Feckelbender played it.
“This find is truly remarkable,” he said. “A new note only comes along once in a millenium.”
Aksent went on to explain that throughout modern history, the typical western musical scale featured just 12 tones. All music is composed using only those 12 notes, from the most intricate Bach sonata to Achy Breaky Heart.
Some eastern cultures feature more tones, but according to Aksent those don’t make “real” music. “Those scales are mostly heard in Bollywood sound tracks and around gypsy campfires.”
Professor Aksent has identified the new note as 8/43rds of the way between E double sharp and G flat. He described the new tone as not unpleasant. “It sort of sounds like a cricket with sinus problems dancing on a hot griddle.”
Feckelbender claims to have stumbled across the note while playing his homemade dulcimer. “I was trying to reach that G7 chord in ‘She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain,’ but I just couldn’t get my little finger in the right place. I kind of scrunched up my hand and that’s when I hit it.”
The unemployed census taker has no plans to patent the new note. “This is a discovery that I would like to share with the musical world. I’m kind of hoping Elton John will use it in his next Disney musical.”
The Academy of Musica hailed the discovery of the new musical note in a press release. “Modern composers have increasingly struggled trying to create new melodies with the limited number of notes we have used for several hundred years. This new note will increase their options by 8.333%. We anticipate at least a 5% surge in creativity.”
In other news, Ricky Scaggs just released a new CD entitled “Crickets on the Griddle.”
In a related piece...
Man with no musical talent releases CD
Producers of the hit television talent show “Texas Idle” are releasing a compilation of tunes written and performed by their newest discovery - Buford Rugby. The Tallyrand, Texas native was plucked from a crowd for having no musical talent whatsoever.
“We were searching for something different - a new kind of music that will cut through the noise of rap, hip hop, pop, and especially country music,” said Idle spokesman Simon Grisdale. “I mean, how many ways can you sing about jukeboxes, cheating and drinking and keep it fresh? Rugby is our man.”
Rugby did not even audition for the show. Talent scouts discovered the sorghum farmer at the Tallyrand Baptist Church.
“I was walking back from Denny’s one Sunday morning and happened to pass by this little church,” Grisdale explained. “Through the window I heard the choir, and there was one unmistakable voice that was singing notes nowhere to be found in ‘A Mighty Fortress.’”
Grisdale walked inside and discovered Rugby sitting in the back row. “He was easy to spot - he had his hymnal upside down.” Grisdale immediately signed him to an exclusive contract and they went into the studio that very day.
The new CD - Songs in the Key of Buford - was finished within the hour.
“This is a new sound, a fresh way of listening to music,” Grisdale said. “Judging by what’s selling out there, we see a trend of less and less talent performing lower quality pieces. Taking that to its logical end, we give you Buford Rugby.”
Rugby remains nonplussed about all the hoopla, although his success has already changed his life. He has had 37 visits to his web site and now gets served the largest slice of pie at the Tallyrand Tavern.
Rugby already is working on his next project - a “duet” album with Lady Gaga.