Comments on: baroque trappings of today’s web applications http://www.ewherry.com/2010/04/baroque-trappings-of-todays-web-applications/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=baroque-trappings-of-todays-web-applications Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:24:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: elaine http://www.ewherry.com/2010/04/baroque-trappings-of-todays-web-applications/comment-page-1/#comment-1167 elaine Sun, 25 Apr 2010 05:45:35 +0000 http://www.ewherry.com/?p=199#comment-1167 Doug - great points and thanks for taking the time to read! Bach is among my favorite composers because he can balance multiple voices in an incredible listening experience. If I were looking for something comparable to that today, I might point to the iTunes interface - it's an app store, music browsing interface, library, half-web, half-desktop, etc and even with all of those demands, it somehow just works. Even in Bach's unaccompanied violin and cello music, one instrumentalist is balancing up to perhaps four voices in a single composition. However, there were many, many other Baroque composers who didn't have Bach's touch. I think the comparison with web application design is made easier when it is between today's web design and Baroque harpsichord music. Even beyond what was written on the page, Baroque composers would annotate "improvise freely" to encourage harpsichord musicians to improvise and ornament even further. Bach is a shining example of the Baroque period - I could listen to Bach for very long stretches of time. However, my patience is really tested when I hear Baroque harpsichord music :) Doug – great points and thanks for taking the time to read! Bach is among my favorite composers because he can balance multiple voices in an incredible listening experience. If I were looking for something comparable to that today, I might point to the iTunes interface – it’s an app store, music browsing interface, library, half-web, half-desktop, etc and even with all of those demands, it somehow just works. Even in Bach’s unaccompanied violin and cello music, one instrumentalist is balancing up to perhaps four voices in a single composition.

However, there were many, many other Baroque composers who didn’t have Bach’s touch. I think the comparison with web application design is made easier when it is between today’s web design and Baroque harpsichord music. Even beyond what was written on the page, Baroque composers would annotate “improvise freely” to encourage harpsichord musicians to improvise and ornament even further.

Bach is a shining example of the Baroque period – I could listen to Bach for very long stretches of time. However, my patience is really tested when I hear Baroque harpsichord music :)

]]> By: Doug K http://www.ewherry.com/2010/04/baroque-trappings-of-todays-web-applications/comment-page-1/#comment-1166 Doug K Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:20:34 +0000 http://www.ewherry.com/?p=199#comment-1166 that's an interesting point. I love baroque music but detest the current state of website design. The architectural comparison is better, fantastical elaboration just because it's possible, but I don't hear quite the same thing in the music - in Bach or other masters, the elaborations are in service of a compelling central theme rather than an irritating encrustation and distraction. At least to my ear. Did you ever see the play Salieri ? at one point the Emperor, prompted by Salieri, criticises a Mozart composition as 'too many notes'. Of course I should have Twittered this, with a link to further disquisitions on my own blog, but I'm old-fashioned.. that’s an interesting point. I love baroque music but detest the current state of website design. The architectural comparison is better, fantastical elaboration just because it’s possible, but I don’t hear quite the same thing in the music – in Bach or other masters, the elaborations are in service of a compelling central theme rather than an irritating encrustation and distraction. At least to my ear.

Did you ever see the play Salieri ? at one point the Emperor, prompted by Salieri, criticises a Mozart composition as ‘too many notes’.

Of course I should have Twittered this, with a link to further disquisitions on my own blog, but I’m old-fashioned..

]]> By: The Trending Monster Advice − Four short links: 19 April 2010 http://www.ewherry.com/2010/04/baroque-trappings-of-todays-web-applications/comment-page-1/#comment-1165 The Trending Monster Advice − Four short links: 19 April 2010 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:03:35 +0000 http://www.ewherry.com/?p=199#comment-1165 [...] Baroque Trappings of Today’s Web Applications (Elaine Wherry) — Personally, when I listen to harpsichord music from the Baroque period, not too much time passes before I start to think, “I think this harpsichord piece is just trying to play as many notes as possible.” Similarly, after browsing the Internet for a bit today I start to think, “I’m not sure I can withstand another mashup, rounded corner, or headline announcing a breakthrough platform.” Amusing essay (based on a talk given at a CHI event) but with serious points about the kitchen sink design aesthetic of many web apps. [...] [...] Baroque Trappings of Today’s Web Applications (Elaine Wherry) — Personally, when I listen to harpsichord music from the Baroque period, not too much time passes before I start to think, “I think this harpsichord piece is just trying to play as many notes as possible.” Similarly, after browsing the Internet for a bit today I start to think, “I’m not sure I can withstand another mashup, rounded corner, or headline announcing a breakthrough platform.” Amusing essay (based on a talk given at a CHI event) but with serious points about the kitchen sink design aesthetic of many web apps. [...]

]]> By: Four short links: 19 April 2010 | Tech News From All Over The Net http://www.ewherry.com/2010/04/baroque-trappings-of-todays-web-applications/comment-page-1/#comment-1060 Four short links: 19 April 2010 | Tech News From All Over The Net Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:56:51 +0000 http://www.ewherry.com/?p=199#comment-1060 [...] Baroque Trappings of Today’s Web Applications (Elaine Wherry) — Personally, when I listen to harpsichord music from the Baroque period, not too much time passes before I start to think, “I think this harpsichord piece is just trying to play as many notes as possible.” Similarly, after browsing the Internet for a bit today I start to think, “I’m not sure I can withstand another mashup, rounded corner, or headline announcing a breakthrough platform.” Amusing essay (based on a talk given at a CHI event) but with serious points about the kitchen sink design aesthetic of many web apps. [...] [...] Baroque Trappings of Today’s Web Applications (Elaine Wherry) — Personally, when I listen to harpsichord music from the Baroque period, not too much time passes before I start to think, “I think this harpsichord piece is just trying to play as many notes as possible.” Similarly, after browsing the Internet for a bit today I start to think, “I’m not sure I can withstand another mashup, rounded corner, or headline announcing a breakthrough platform.” Amusing essay (based on a talk given at a CHI event) but with serious points about the kitchen sink design aesthetic of many web apps. [...]

]]> By: Tweets that mention elaine wherry » baroque trappings of today’s web applications -- Topsy.com http://www.ewherry.com/2010/04/baroque-trappings-of-todays-web-applications/comment-page-1/#comment-1059 Tweets that mention elaine wherry » baroque trappings of today’s web applications -- Topsy.com Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:28:19 +0000 http://www.ewherry.com/?p=199#comment-1059 [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by elaine wherry, Marcus Westin. Marcus Westin said: Elaine @pudding25 argues web development is currently in its baroque era http://j.mp/c2IGMO very interesting perspective [...] [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by elaine wherry, Marcus Westin. Marcus Westin said: Elaine @pudding25 argues web development is currently in its baroque era http://j.mp/c2IGMO very interesting perspective [...]

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