Anything but....

[burstroman]

What is your favorite instrument apart from our beloved piano?  I like the viola, that self-effacing instrument, too much neglected.  I love to hear Berlioz' " Harold en Italie". I wish I were rich enough to pay a composer to produce works especially for this instrument.

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

        I am fascinated by many instruments, and not just of western origin. I am fascinated by the Javanese Balugan, the Indian music.

[le_poete_mourant]

I find it very interesting that Indian music has so many more notes than our 12 in an octave.   That's one of the reasons I think their music is so unique and fascinating to us.  We're not accustomed to hearing so many tones so close together. 

[ramseytheii]

Greetings.

        I am fascinated by many instruments, and not just of western origin. I am fascinated by the Javanese Balugan, the Indian music.

Are there generally recordings available of these Eastern isntruments?  The Javanese music especially influenced composers of the early 20th century.  I don't think we have these World Fairs anymore, where cultures from around the world gathered to share their traditions.
For me, after the piano is the Organ, the "Empress of Instruments."

Walter Ramsey

[jre58591]

i like the cello. i think its a perfectly balanced string instrument. not too low, not too high, and not screechy like a violin. it also has more of a range and compliments the piano really well. ive also taken a liking to the organ. it was messiaen's organ works that got me into the organ.

[arbisley]

I love the cello (play it myself), the organ (same), and the tuba for it's wonderfully "fat" bass notes!

[ce nedra]

I think the kazoo is the most awsome instrument ever created!!!! (Except the piano of course)

[debussy symbolism]

Are there generally recordings available of these Eastern isntruments?  The Javanese music especially influenced composers of the early 20th century.  I don't think we have these World Fairs anymore, where cultures from around the world gathered to share their traditions.
For me, after the piano is the Organ, the "Empress of Instruments."

Walter Ramsey

Yes definately. You can by world music in music shops or record stores to the extent of my knowledge.

[pianistimo]

french horn.

well, organ is another instrument i can't resist listening to.

string quartets.

and the HARP.  they have a harp over at a restaurant we go to occasionally -and i LOVE the soft soothing sounds.

[thalbergmad]

The organ is indeed a quality instrument. I nearly died with joy when i went to Paris to listen to the organ at St Sulpice.

For pure enjoyment and fun, the 5 string banjo beats all.

Long live Bluegrass.

Thal