Expert: Marbeth - 12/15/2007

Question
QUESTION: What sort of an expert cannot identify 'Variations on... Tallis' by Ralph Vaughan Williams and cannot even spell the great composer's name properly.  Dear, oh dear!

ANSWER: You are correct that it is Tallis var.  (I did get the English and contemporary part right, however, you must admit!, and there are not many who can do that.)  I am a musicologist by training, not an "identify this, please" person.  You'll note that I receive an awful lot of requests for this.  If my spelling was wrong, I do apologize.  Sometimes the brain turns off.  I hope you are an expert already; if not, please do volunteer, as we obviously need your knowledge.  But, please, do be a little less insulting.  The correction is welcomed, the nasty tone is not.  Shame on you!  Remember, I'm a volunteer.  best wishes, mb

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK, I did have a migraine when I wrote that, so not that charitable, sorry.  I do stand by the fact that the piece is hardly obscure -it was even used in the film 'Master and Commander'. And... I'm very protective of RVW  : )

Having some particular areas of expertise, I may volunteer as you suggest.

Answer
You are right that it is not obscure, at least to music scholars.  I have sung a lot of early music and should have recognized the tune.  I do know a lot of music ("Gee, I know that piece.  What's the title?"), but sometimes the titles elude me.  I always make my best guess as to composer or some other/additional provenance.  And I always suggest ways the questioner can pursue the question on his/her own. Sometimes that's the best I can do short of taking on a research project, for which I do not have time.  If you do volunteer, ask that your scores not be made public.  Sometimes, a questioner will give a "low grade" bcs you don't know the answer, which is just plain mean and undeserved "thanks" for an expert who has made an honest effort to answer the question rather than ignore it or toss it off; and should not be expected to know answers about all-things-classical-music. Your apology accepted.  I'm guessing you're a young 'un, just learning to think before hitting "send" with an outraged response.  I'm 60 and just starting to get a handle on it, so you're forgiven!  Hope your headache is better! Do volunteer!  We need you.  best wishes, mb