[Smt-talk] Jeppesen Friday

[Phillip Dineen]

I'm very pleased to follow the Jeppesen discussion, particularly since the history of music theory deserves greater recognition, having been dropped from many (but not all!) graduate theory curricula. I suspect that many of my colleagues would not know of this Jeppesen, and his albeit debatable contribution to our field. In that spirit, a little Friday joke, mostly for Peter, a variation on an old one. A young theoretical couple, theorists X and Y, with newly minted PhD's in hand are invited to a party given by a senior theorists to which other theorists, junior and senior, have been invited similarly. The party goes well, and after wine and canapés several attendees move to the parlour and begin a discussion of things theoretical. The subject turns to counterpoint and, among other topics, Jeppesen. There are vigorous arguments for and against. Under the pressure of the newly minted PhD, theorist X figures one had better get into this discussion, so as to make a name for oneself. Theorist X: "I saw Jeppesen getting on the number 7 bus to go to the beach today." There is a polite silence, and then discussion resumes taking no note of the interjection. Later as theorists X and Y return to their apartment, theorist Y bursts into tears. "What's wrong," says theorist X. "Oh you idiot," replies theorist Y: "You've made a complete fool of yourself. Everyone knows the number 7 bus doesn't go to the beach!"

Sobriety Monday.

Murray Dineen
University of Ottawa, School of Music
murraydineen at uottawa.ca

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