The subject of temperament types came up in a recent conversation I had with a couple of friends of mine. We were trying to remember how many there were and could only think of two. I did a little research and found these definitions in a wikipedia article. I sent the definitions out to my friends. We agreed that a single description was not enough. It took a combination of two types to work, in a general way of course.

In my case, I am a blend of Melancholic and Choleric.

Which categories do you fit into?

Sanguine

The Sanguine temperament personality is fairly extroverted. People of a sanguine temperament tend to enjoy social gatherings and making new friends. They tend to be creative and often daydream. However, some alone time is crucial for those of this temperament. Sanguine can also mean very sensitive, compassionate and thoughtful. Sanguine personalities generally struggle with following tasks all the way through, are chronically late, and tend to be forgetful and sometimes a little sarcastic. Often, when pursuing a new hobby, interest is lost quickly when it ceases to be engaging or fun. They are very much people persons. They are talkative and not shy.

Choleric

A person who is choleric is a doer. They have a lot of ambition, energy, and passion, and try to instill it in others. They can dominate people of other temperaments, especially phlegmatic types. Many great charismatic military and political figures were cholerics. They like to be leaders and in charge of everything.

Melancholic

A person who is a thoughtful ponderer has a melancholic disposition. Often very considerate, melancholics can be highly creative in activities such as poetry and art - and can become occupied with the tragedy and cruelty in the world. A melancholic is also often a perfectionist. They are often self-reliant and independent.

Phlegmatic

Phlegmatics tend to be self-content and kind. They can be very accepting and affectionate. They may be very receptive and shy and often prefer stability to uncertainty and change. They are very consistent, relaxed, rational, curious, and observant, making them good administrators and diplomats.

Focus.

Keep your eye on the ball.

Now, look away and launch it.

The Bays are an interesting group of creative musicians/producers who only perform live integrating studio gear to a live music setting. However, on their website I found an mp3 of one of their more recent works.

After 17 years of working with/against Finale’s music notation software I made the switch to Sibelius. I was reluctant to spend the money and time but am so happy I did.

Sibelius is a much more flexible and powerful program with a great support system. Today I received an email from one of the support staff from Sibelius, Daniel Spreadbury, and he suggested checking out their blog.

I found this video on the blog. I love the spirit of this experimental collaboration.

Last night Andrew Boniwell and I went down to the Music Garden in Toronto. The garden is by the lake surrounded by trees, flowers, and grasses. The weather was pleasant. We were there to hear violinist Linda Melsted and guitarist Terry McKenna play on period instruments music from the 17th to the 20th century. The music was lovely. Both Linda Melsted and the Terry McKenna had moments of brilliance.

Being a guitarist I was really drawn to the sound of Terry McKenna’s 10-string Baroque guitar. It’s like a baritone mandolin. I preferred when he played that instrument as opposed to the two other instruments he brought. They were both classical guitars – one built in the early 19th century style (I think) and the other one in a modern style. I suspect it was the wind, humidity, traffic, and technique that made it a struggle to get a decent sound out of those instruments.

However, after the performance I talked with Terry and he let me play a couple of his guitars, the Baroque and 19th century classical. They look and sound so beautiful up close. The natural sound without amplification is resonant and rich, intimate and inviting to play. I love the character of the Baroque guitar, but the feel of the classical guitar was an invitation to seek out one for myself. It has perfect action, tone, weight and size. Terry said the instruments were built by Michael Schreiner. I found his website and here’s a photograph of one of his Baroque guitars.

Music Garden Schedule

On my way out to go for a ride on a glorious day I received an email from a friend and this is what he said:

BIKES – Crashing into love from Raoul Paulet on Vimeo.