And, in the Flinstone's day, they had to use hammers and chisels. My hat's off to em too. Back in my school days (did they really have schools back then?) that's the thing I really hated, writing. Pencil, pen, didn't matter, I hated all of it. Still do. You wanna know what I hate even worse? Text messages on my cell phone! They drive me crazy. Sorry for getting off topic.

Have a nice day,
Kevin

ROFLMAO! That is good humor. All you needed was a chisel, Slate and a good pair of saftey glasses.

Dan,
If you have never seen the movie "Amadeus" I would suggest renting it. The Movie is about Motzart and his life.Good show but kinda sad. Anyhow it kind of gives you a peek into what it was like to compose a musical score with a quill and ink well. At least a # 2 pencil has an eraser.
don

I will pick it up and watch it sounds interesting.
Dan

Theres a Frank Zappa song titled The Black Page which is so titled because the manuscript paper that he wrote it on was covered in so many "little black dots" that the paper appeared to be a black sheet.

I am not familiar with that song But I do enjoy listening to Zappa's work especially his jazz stuff. He was a very talented musician.

In the L.A. Music Studio's he was respected by the top studio musicians. Zappa did most his own arranging,composing and playing in the studio when he was recording a album with top studio musicians.

Though if he wrote a part that he couldn't play he wouldn't compromise the integrity of the song by trying to play it himself. He'd hire someone like Steve Vai to play it.

I imagine so during some of the later recordings in the 80's and 90's. Vai is a great musician.
I was refering to the studio in the late sixties and the studio musicians labeled "The Wrecking Crew". Like Barney Kessel,Carol Kaye and others. Carol mentioned to me she played 12 and 6 string in a few of Frank's earlier albums. She had respect for Frank and spoke very highly of him.
Are you familiar with XM satelite radio's station called Beyond Jazz? Just today I must have heard at least a 3 Zappa tunes. Also heard a tune by Jean Luc Ponty, arranged and composed by Zappa. Very awesome tune. The Electric Viola added some spice to it.

Even when I was in college in the late 70's and had a couple of
big band arranging classes we had to write a score for the
conductor and 20 individual parts for each instrument. What a
pain.

I'm sure Charlie has some similar stories. Notation software
definetely makes things easier.

Bob

I agree music notation software makes things easier especially with multiple instrumental composing. I use Finale and Sibelius.
They are fantastic programs for a student like me or a pro.
Also I think people take technology for granted (myself included) and do not think about the hard work it took to advance something. As a student I am learning both ways.
In the event of a computer failure musicians like Charlie and yourself know how to get the job done by Pencil and Paper. It is a pain but at least you have a option.
That is why I respect musicians who learned without the help of software.

I don't know what I'd do without Finale. Was it Bach that went blind from constant transcription?

Never heard that. I can see it happening though, he has such a huge catalog.

I hear ya. From what I heard he was burning the candle from both ends. Reading and writing with improper lighting could have a effect on the eyes.

As a student, Finale has been a great aid in my learning.
About your Bach question I do not know.