Bach Interpretation

[Mark]

In reply to Martin's post of May 14:

Bravo, Martin. Well said, especially your last paragraph. It's taken me
2 weeks of lurking to work all the way through this thread, as I
haven't contributed to this newsgroup in some years. The point about
the fortepiano and the modern grand is well taken - they couldn't be
more different from each other. In this matter, I have always agreed
with Mr. Bakker. The harpsichord dates from a quieter, gentler time.
Think: no jets overhead, no fire sirens, police chases, iPods.
Harpsichord technique and playing, like every instrument, is deeply
personal. I was extremely lucky to have had an excellent teacher when I
was young (Isolde Ahlgrimm) who taught me the "soul" of harpsichord
playing. For those who think harpsichord playing/listening is boring,
again, I agree with Sybrand - you just haven't heard the right
harpsichordist. To my ears, Bach and Buxtehude don't work well on the
modern grand. For giggles, look up Glenn Gould's recording of Byrd and
Gibbons on his piano and you'll get the idea.
Best regards,
Mark

[Mark]

Really, no comments?

[Andrew Schulman]

Post by Mark
Really, no comments?

Mark,

Everyone is busy doing more important things.

Andrew

[Lawrence]

Post by Mark
Really, no comments?

One may agree with a posting, as I more or less did with this one, and
not find anything pressing to comment upon. The post has performed a
service anyway and the lack of comments should not be taken as a
negative reaction.

[j***@yahoo.com]

Post by Mark
Really, no comments?

I would comment but I have done so many times on this topic. But,
understand that Gould used a modified Steinway for his perfomances. It
doesn't sound like a normal piano - more like a cross between a
harpsichord and piano...

I like to Bach on different instruments just as a change of pace. I
think his music is conducive to different treatments. Often he
transcribed works to differnet medium. Therefore I won't call foul
when someone wants to play Bach on something weird like a kazoo...

Jimmy Boy

[Mark]

Post by j***@yahoo.com

Post by Mark
Really, no comments?

I would comment but I have done so many times on this topic. But,
understand that Gould used a modified Steinway for his perfomances. It
doesn't sound like a normal piano - more like a cross between a
harpsichord and piano...
I like to Bach on different instruments just as a change of pace. I
think his music is conducive to different treatments. Often he
transcribed works to differnet medium. Therefore I won't call foul
when someone wants to play Bach on something weird like a kazoo...
Jimmy Boy

Kazoo is weird, but the Swingle Singers were cool.