Ann Hutchinson Guest's Comments on the April 7, 2008 Open Theory Meeting

Ann Hutchinson Guest's Comments on the April 7, 2008 Open Theory Meeting
Submitted by Ann Hutchinson Guest - March 10, 2009

[Editor's note: The following is Ann Hutchinson Guest's response to the minutes of the April 7, 2008 Open Theory Meeting. Ex. 1, Ex. 5, Ex. 7, Ex. 8, and Ex. 9 are examples from the minutes.]

Timing for Supports Ex. 1, I would be happier if a bar line had been added.

I would like to clarify the timing of support symbols. AH 1a): The contact with the floor is shown by the beginning of the symbol, (i), the length indicates how long there is a settling into the centered weight placement, (ii). When traveling has taken place, contact with the floor often occurs before the center of weight is centered over the new support, thus the length of the support symbol is important. When springs in place occur, AH 1b), the length of the support symbol shows the cushioning, the bending of the leg. In AH 1c) this cushioning barely takes place. Thus the length of this symbol does not affect when the moment of landing occurs. Ray's ex 2 shows a more abrupt landing.

Remaining over the center of weight: In AH 1d) the left leg remains under the body, the traveling is shown outside the staff and the landing is 'in place' as far as the relationship of the new support to the body is concerned. It is not unusual to show traveling this way, but for this special kind of movement, it is an appropriate way.

Timing of Touching Gestures: Terminating Touches must have the hook at the end of the gesture symbol. In Ex 5, the heel would touch the floor (a passing touch) as the leg moves to forward low, off the floor.

Passing, Transient Touch: These do happen, AH 5a), though more often they are quick brushes, rather than a single touch, AH 5b). The release sign could be used, as in Ex. 7, to spell out clearly the momentary touch. Theoretically it should not be needed.

Resultant Touches. Ex. 8 is correct. Ex. 9 is not. The touch comes into effect at the end of the transference of weight, not at the start. Normally the foot would release from the floor at this point, the hook states that it does not and what kind of resultant touch takes place, in this case the toe.

Lollipop Symbols Maybe it is time to consider this idea. Here is how the idea started: In LN we state the action, contraction in this case. Ex. 1a) and the end of the duration line indicates when you have arrived at the stated degree (the destination), here indicated as count 1. Advantage: you see at the beginning what kind of movement it is. In KIN, Ex. 1b), the state to be arrived at is written at the end and the duration line shows when you start moving to that destination. The line needs to be linked to the flexion sign with a bow to state it is all one indication. Advantage: the contraction sign is written on count 1, the time of arrival, the destination.

Ex. 2a) shows how we all write a gesture that starts in the measure before and ends on the next count 1. If the device of 1b were used, then it would be written as in 2b), or perhaps with the linking bow of 2c). The same would be applied to all directions, 2d), 2e), etc.

The length of the line (duration line - whatever you want to call it) will state how soon the action is begun. The small direction symbol is always written at the time of arrival as shown in 3a) - 3e). With no line attached, the action would be very swift.

Is the linking bow needed? If the line can be attached to the symbol, as in 4a), there should be no need, it would follow the rule established for Motif Notation. If, however, the indication is more complex, as in 4b), where a dot needs to be seen, then clearly, the linking bow is needed.

A few times over the past decades I have brought up this idea, but never too seriously. Now I am wondering if it will not solve the problem that is being discussed at present. The touching leg gesture can be written exactly when the touch occurs, and will coincide with the accompanying clap. To make the leg gesture less abrupt, the line of an appropriate length is added, producing the notation of 5a).