What Do You Say? (fwd)

[Conrad Hoffsommer]

This just came over the pipe organ list, but thought parallels could be
made.

Conrad

>
> Many of us who either perform, build, or restore organs often have to endure
> a less-than-exciting concert where either the performer or the organ is
> terrible.  Often the matter is worse if the performer is a friend or
> acquaintance, because you *have* to go through the reception line and say
> "something."  The organ world is not alone in this situation.  It happens in
> every field of performance.
>
> What do you say, when you shouldn't say anything at all (if you can't say
> something nice?)  I have been collecting these tidbits of neutral praise for
> several years, and thought I'd start a list.  Feel free to add your own
> favorite(s.)
>
>
> Mine:  I've *never* heard anything quite like it.
>
> Boy, you've done it again.
>
> I have no idea how you do it.
>
> You should have been out there!  (Chris Reeve's favorite)
>
> It was the most incredible thing I have ever heard.
>
> I have never heard you do better.
>
> I wouldn't change a single thing.  (Note the word "single")
>
> I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't heard it for myself.
>
> Well, you sure had "fun" up there.
>
> A lot of people seemed to like it.
>
> This organ certainly makes a statement.  (Especially if it is loud and
>                                           raucous.)
>
> This performance was mind-boggling.
>
> I'm overwhelmed.  I just don't know what to say.
>
> Boy, I'll bet you're glad it's over.
>
>
> ...About the organ:
>
> This Wurlitzer (you fill in the brand) shows great promise.
>
> And to think there was a time it didn't play at all.
>
> Just think of all the hard work that went into that.
>
> It's quite a sound.
>
> It's certainly a good example.
>
> Too bad the room isn't better.  (Always blame the room.)
>
> Just think what it would sound like without all this carpet.
>
>
> Allen (now I'll have to think up new ones to use.)  ;-)
>


--
Conrad Hoffsommer                Ignorance doesn't kill you, but it will
Luther College                   make you sweat a lot.-Haitian proverb
Decorah, Iowa 52101
hoffsoco@martin.luther.edu       (319)-387-1204

Let me have my own way exactly in everything, and a sunnier and
pleasanter creature does not exist - Thomas Carlyle