The all girl, french horn quartet that goes by the name of Genghis Barbie.
Heard of them before?
Neither had I until recently.
It’s probably best that you get an introduction to Genghis Barbie in their own words. So,
Here’s some background…
From their website:
[Genghis Barbie is] the leading post post-feminist feminist all-female horn experience, [and] is the most innovative and energizing chamber ensemble of its generation and beyond. With a combined 26 years of conservatory training, Genghis Barbie delivers to you a visceral and unadulterated musical adventure. Performing arrangements of pop music from the 70′s, 80′s, 90′s, 00′s and today, Genghis Barbie is the most versatile and expansive group on NYC’s classical/pop/rock/jazz/indie/alternative/punk/electro-acoustic scene. Genghis Barbie was incepted in a unique moment of ingenuity when Freedom Barbie, Jungle Barbie, Velvet Barbie and Attila the Horn converged and vowed to create distinctive, interactive and personal performances.
Wow – that’s quite a description!
And how do they sound? Here’s a clip:
Some pros and cons
Well, where do I start with an evaluation of this group? Let’s try with a list of a few pros and cons, then I’ll leave it up to you to comment and give your opinion if you think Genghis Barbie is hot, or not.
Pros:
- They’re an active horn quartet!
- The girls seem to have a good sense of humour, and seem to have a lot of fun!
- They’re getting out there and doing something a little different – ie. not just sitting in a practise room playing Beethoven 7 or Mozart Horn concerti
Cons:
- Musically speaking, just from the short video excerpt above, there wasn’t a whole lot of interesting music going on
- It’s obvious they’re using the “sex sells” idea to get attention, but, I’m not sure that the concept really works – or – what do you think?
Now it’s your turn
What do YOU think about Genghis Barbie: Are they hot or not?
Comment below…
Just had a thought… Genghis Barbie seem to be a cross between The Spice Girls, Aqua, and an orchestral horn section – certainly unique in any case!
Hot.
Thanks for the vote, Kyle!
Hi! You should check out Genghis Barbie’s YouTube Channel! Plenty of high quality music going on there… better than this cell phone video clip…!
Good to know – thanks, Danielle!
Thong Song anyone?
Yes, I think that’s what it’s called.
definitely hot! they’re building a pretty big fan base from the bottom up by doing something unique that is also high quality… so yeah, definitely hot!
Great reasons for voting Hot!
Thanks for the comment!
They have the right idea, minus the sex appeal. The biggest thing they lack a uniformity. When I say that I mean they are not quite in tune and their entrances are not always at the right time, someone will be late a lot. I have never been a huge fan.
They do Seal’s Kiss From a Rose ( check it out Youtube) it has more uniformity than even I can bear – hotter than july
There is no doubt that regardless of how they are perceived they can teach us all something very important. They understand the internet and social media better than any “classical” group that I have ever heard of. From nothing they have created a buzz, following and invitations to prestigious festivals/conventions (IHS this summer). Some of these short skirt’s have long resumes and doctorates. They would probably be very happy to get you through the door with the “look”, but I have a feeling that there is more here than meets the eye. (no pun intended)
Very well said! There was a similar type of group a few years ago called the Planets, but that was before social media took off, so I believe they were controlled by a record company, and not doing it all themselves, such as Genghis Barbie. Maybe someone else can confirm this?
Hot for sure! They are the ideal model for young classical musicians- showing that what’s most important is to do something new, experiment, and play damn well doing it! Their videos have already spread around the world, and I wish them the greatest success!
Thanks for the feedback – I definitely agree! Doing something new and experimenting is very needed in classical music!
Ideal model? There are ways to do what they’re doing without dressing like pole dancers.
Hawt.
a horn quartet. it s NOT HOT.
HOT, HOT, HOT & HOT.
For starters, they are all fantastic horn players, but why should life be limited to orchestral excerpts and stuffy concert halls filled with blue hair? These girls know how to have fun and are trying to connect to the under-80 demographic. That can only be a positive!
Well said!
Hot!
Sorry, not. It’s very gimmicky. The Spice Girls only had 15 minutes, and so will they. I think it would be more successful if they were more than a cover band. There are more innovative, ground breaking instrumental groups out there that aren’t going the easy route – i.e., covering pop songs. In the end, they’re not that interesting or creative.
Hot. Definitely.
The cell video posted here is not the quality of their videos posted on YouTube and their own website. Since the widely published video was created very close to the time the group formed, critics can use their best judgment in choosing words.
My suggestion is to hear them play live now, as I had this past weekend. Intonation was so spot on, with harmonies so perfectly balanced, one could hear overtones an octave higher during the live performance. Rhythm was spot on, and the newer arrangements proved to me that the top level of musicianship, mixed with songs that we all know, can provide for a very entertaining show indeed! As far as the sex appeal, they have it, so why not? Consider also the number of younger players that are enthusiastic about the group, the positive role model to younger instrumentalists, especially girls. (that you can be pretty, intelligent, and play a brass instrument) Any middle school, high school, or university would love to have an opportunity for Genghis Barbie to give a performance, clinic, or workshop.
As with any group, be it a horn quartet, brass quintet, chamber orchestra, rock band, every live performance will be different. These girls are working hard, putting it all on the line, taking risks, and entertaining many in the process. What is important to consider is this: What they are doing now is fresh, new, and creative. The arrangements are difficult, virtuosic, and interesting. How will Genghis Barbie, or your own group/band change with their fan base? Are you a trendsetter? Or are you most comfortable in “the norm”? If the latter, watch as your fan base diminishes, while your patrons seek what is fresh, new, and interesting.
As orchestras fold in this economy, and freelance gigs dry up, and musicians get paid less and less for their contribution, we should be supportive of such efforts, especially those that generate so much interest in the classical instruments we cherish.
“…the positive role model to younger instrumentalists, especially girls. (that you can be pretty, intelligent, and play a brass instrument)…”
I disagree with that because of the way they dress – especially in this video. Unfortunately, the mini skirts scream louder than their talent and I don’t think that’s positive at all.
these girls are just having fun. the end. great horn players showing another side of their craft.
reality check folks. this does not have to be a battleground about whether or not they are “serious” enough, or going a “gimicky” route. these ladies play with top orchestras and chamber groups throughout the country. They can play their way around standard repertoire, and premiere works by contemporary composers.
to all the haters out there:
they’re having fun. shouldn’t you?
Absolutely hot. If it weren’t, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
I’m sure they’re having fun, but remove the horns and you’ve got what look like four extremely unfashionable showgirls or hookers. The ‘Hooters’ approach to musicianship? No thanks.
It’s awesome that they’re experimenting. It’s great that they’re realizing today’s musician has to think outside of the box. It’s refreshing that they’re attempting to expand their audience.
But…
It’s unfortunate that they do it scantily clad. This, to me, ruins it and says that they’re relying on the lowest common denominator, which is showing a lot of skin. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with looking sexy, but they need to be careful with the fine line between sexy and trashy…
I think it would be smarter if they did what they were doing with a bit more taste, perhaps they need a stylist – a class act always outlasts the flavor of the month.
Sorry ladies; all flash, no substance
Great motivators for my horn students – hopefully for the right reasons – my hubby was impressed – but he’s a sax player!
IMO not hot.
why not dress in a classy way? Alison Balsom comes to mind…
IMO not hot. why not dress in a classy way? Alison Balsom come to mind…
Always nice to hear of classical musicians thinking outside the box. It’s the only way our art form is going to survive!
Well, as far as I can see, the NOT is almost exclusive to the feminine part of the commentators, and focused on the way they are dressed and present themselves to the audience. Also, this clip that is posted in the article is not high quality and the author should have googled to find a more quality one. I for one would like to say that most musicians are not aware that the audience we are performing to are not made out of professional musicians but of common people of whom most have no musical training whatsoever. So, if this is what is necessary to get the audience to come and listen to classical music and instruments, why the hell not?
In today’s age of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Madonna and all the other stars, let’s face it, sex SELLS. So I find the idea great and I wish them good luck.
The judgement is HOT!!!!
P.S. Not to forget that they all are fine and accomplished musicians as well.
They are brilliant! All fantastic musicians, and their arrangements are well-done. They step out of the box, which is what we all need to do if we are going to continue to generate new brass-loving audiences.
Definitely HOT. A great listen, and fun, fun, fun. Prowl YouTube and you can find them doing “Life on Mars”. How festive!
I saw them a few weeks ago in Durham, NH. Their “Thriller” was killer. I enjoyed hearing the distinct sound that each had, clear enough in solo passages. I feel lucky to have caught them when they were fresh… Long may they run.
(I’m going to disagree with the notion that they dress too scantily, although arguably they could select similar outfits that are more flattering, in some but not all cases. But that may not be the idea, either!)
I can’t stand the ”sexy” thing. Today, women use to show their butt to get succes. I’m a female trombonist and I’m pi**ed-off to have to wear ”ploe-dancer” clothes on pop gigs. So I stopped to to gigs and now I’m working somewhere else. No more music. I have no respect for women who encourage this behavior. Sorry, but this quartet is bulls**t.
Musically I think they’re bringing brass to a new audience, which is great, and I respect their talent. Appearance is important (Video Killed the Radio Star). But there are ways to be “hot” that are a more sophisticated and subtle than what they’re doing, fashion-wise. Their horn acumen surpasses their fashion sense. And I hope they have a plan for 10 years down the road.
What they do has been done. They are not virtuosos but they play well, their music lacks originality. However, they have fun and remind people that we can make music whitout guitars.
Rlibre
After seeing them live and in person, I’d say not at all. Their arrangements aren’t very good, and most importantly, they are clumsy acting in terms of stage presence. I think that they will be a passing fad.
I mean, are they kidding? Even if they were great horn players, I just don’t get it. Looking bad in strange outfits? Playing outdated pop song covers? And playing horns? Maybe they should concentrate on doing something people will care about… Just my 2 cents.
It’s a joke, you knuckleheads. Don’t you think they’re in on it? This isn’t like Eroica Trio where they are trying to sell sex with a straight face. This is lampooning that.
I think it’s really cool that this is an all-female group of musicians, but as a female musician myself I am disappointed with how they’re selling themselves. I am also in an all-female group from Australia (Sirens Big Band – YouTube us! Had to include a bit of a self-plug ;}) and part of our, er, ‘mission’ (for want of a better word) is to be taken seriously as musicians; have people come to our gigs for our music, not to look at our legs/cleavage etc. And this doesn’t mean we dress in demure shirt collars and long skirts – at most gigs we’re encouraged to wear clothing that’s funky but smart and reflects our individuality. Also, pop music? I suppose that would appeal a bit more to the masses, but the idea does make me cringe a bit… Why not original modern upbeat stuff? Perhaps some arrangements of jazz standards? I love the sound of 4 French Horns playing beautiful closely harmonised chords, you could write some amazing arrangements of jazz pieces for 4 horns!
Definitely Hot! All the negative comments seem to be from uptight prudish people regarding their apparel. Horn players just want to have fun and these ladies can play!.
I think we can ALL figure out this video is a kind of “Tongue in Cheek” Musical presentation. That said, maybe they were trying to draw attention to the fact that there are a LOT of “Musical Artists” that are not really that skilled as musicians, but because of their “Sex appeal” or in the field of Jazz their “Sax appeal” (pun intended, they get BIG public attention and fanfare. Now look at DIVA the all female BIG band. These women can swing and solo as good if not better than most guy bands. . . .and they do it without flaunting ALL the sex stuff. I’m sorry to say I’ve seen a lot of DownBeat music magazine covers that flaunt the “Sex sells” theme, and that’s one BIG reason why I cancelled my subscription. If the public voted with their wallets, maybe we’d get better quality music and TV programs. Unfortunately, I thin the publc IS voting and is digesting a BIG LOAD of JUNK FOOD when it comes to Music. I think that is the point, at least in my “humble opinion”
P.
They’re definitely mainstream and I think they’re doing the right thing by attracting the pop culture’s attention. The average Joe may not listen to Mozart but they will definitely listen to these girls! Their arrangement of Kiss from a Rose by Seal gives me chills. Their blend and balance to each other is impeccable. I’m impressed.
As a horn major myself, I give them a big thumbs up. They also play more “classical” pieces but I like the fact that they aren’t afraid to branch out, be spunky, and have fun! After all, they have a lot of talent and I’m sure this isn’t the end of the journey for these girls! Don’t just read this article: go check out their website!
P.S. I am a traditional girl and I love Ghengis Barbie!
I’m sorry if I didn’t explain myself clearly. I am impressed because they are reintroducing instrumental music to the public in a world where the synthesizer is king. I’m so sick of music that has been “dumbed” down and watered down with simplification. That’s all I have to say about that.
I think it’s a shame that this video was chosen as an example, because everyone who has never heard of them before is just going to judge them on this. If someone came to you with an arrangement of “Thong Song” you’re going to have a fun with it and dress a bit trashy too!
I don’t think they’re going to last but the same goes for a lot of popular music. It’s great that they’re getting people interested in the french horn which is an instrument so many people just know nothing about. When i tell my colleagues that i play the horn i have to describe what it looks like (sometimes draw pictures!) so that they know what i’m talking about. Your average joe on the street is not going to care about perfect intonation and arrangement, but they are going to be drawn in by a familiar tune with a new spin.
I’m going to say Hot!
I just saw these ladies last night at Mansfield University of PA – and I took my 3 children (12, 9 & 7) to hear them and I’m very glad I did. Wonderful concert. I know how they present themselves online and while it is not something that appeals to me, it’s sure to get more clicks than a long sleeve button-up shirt and floor-length black skirt. If creating a persona gets the crowd in, gets people to listen, then it’s good marketing. They were dressed appropriately, all in black even, yet trendy. More importantly, their playing was phenomenal. The atmosphere was casual yet respectful, entertaining yet professional. If you listen to their recordings and appreciate their playing, then buy it regardless of what they might be wearing in the recording studio or in a video. They are releasing a holiday album after Thanksgiving on itunes and based upon what I witnessed last night. I, for one, will be supporting them with my purchase.
I went to see them at the University of Mississippi with my 20 yr. old daughter. They were awesome!!! If she didn’t know the song I did so they appeal to a wide audience and I think the sex doesn’t hurt them. They are pretty girls and they are well trained and talented artists. Congrats girl U ROCK!!!!
Must they be referred to as “girls”?
Thank you, Libby. I hate the word, “girls”. How old are they, 12? Unless, of course we could use the equivalent of “boys” when referring to any other all male chamber music group.
How does this sound, ” the boys in the Canadian Brass”, or the Boys in the Julliard String quartet?
Trash. It doesn’t matter what they sound like. Even if they were world class they would still be a disappointment.
I saw Genghis Barbie last fall with the SMU wind ensemble taking on a wind transcription of the Schumann Konzertstück. There were times when they were skating on thin ice but then again there aren’t too many horn sections out there who can get through that piece unscathed. Clearly not their forte. In any case, they also did a few pop encores which truly displayed their musicianship. They were spot on as individuals, played beautifully as a quartet and showed themselves to be great performers. I don’t see their choice of music or dress to be a negative; aside from whatever commercial benefits I think it’s mostly an effort to crush the stereotypes stuck on classical musicians and by doing that they connect with new audiences who would never otherwise listen to horns. Call it outreach or whatever; I prefer to call it terrific music played by fine musicians…in fine costumes…