This is one of those issues that causes much consternation on other forums, but I'm less of a purist than I used to be. For example, I can cheerfully understand that people prefer the sound of the piano to the sound of the harpsichord (I do too!) and some of the music certainly translates beautifully. The Goldbergs sound great on piano, so why not enjoy it?
That said, harpsichord music is often written in a manner that's completely different to piano music, often containing more flourishes and arpeggios and other devices to "fill out" the sound. This is because the sound of the harpsichord dies very quickly after the initial pluck, and in slower works a denser texture is needed than would be common on piano. Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg, there are lots of other considerations. As a consequence, some harpsichord music just makes no sense on a piano to these ears.
What are you listening to?
Re: What are you listening to?
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Re: What are you listening to?
The Goldberg Variations were composed for a 2 manual instrument, a completely different instrument than the piano. No one says that you can´t enjoy the Goldbergs on the piano, but in the end it is a TRANSCRIPTION that you are listening, not the Goldberg Variations that Bach composed.Diapason wrote:This is one of those issues that causes much consternation on other forums, but I'm less of a purist than I used to be. For example, I can cheerfully understand that people prefer the sound of the piano to the sound of the harpsichord (I do too!) and some of the music certainly translates beautifully. The Goldbergs sound great on piano, so why not enjoy it?
That said, harpsichord music is often written in a manner that's completely different to piano music, often containing more flourishes and arpeggios and other devices to "fill out" the sound. This is because the sound of the harpsichord dies very quickly after the initial pluck, and in slower works a denser texture is needed than would be common on piano. Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg, there are lots of other considerations. As a consequence, some harpsichord music just makes no sense on a piano to these ears.
Re: What are you listening to?
I used to be fierce diquieted by Harpsichord, but I now have three versions of Goldberg
This one's on at the mo'
![Image](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xzKpyqGtL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
This one's on at the mo'
![Image](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xzKpyqGtL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Brass Bands are all very well in their place -
outdoors and several miles away....
outdoors and several miles away....
Re: What are you listening to?
Well put Simon and the point that you make is not fully appreciated by a lot of people IMHO. To my mind if Bach had a piano at his disposal his music would feel and sound very differently. The same could be said of any composer up to a certain technological point. I also agree with Pepe on the transcription thing; it has to be different. That was the point that I was trying to make in relation to the Bach Lute music recently; lutes and guitars are very different instruments particularly from a fingering point of view so the same music has to be different because it is sometimes impossible to play.Diapason wrote:This is one of those issues that causes much consternation on other forums, but I'm less of a purist than I used to be. For example, I can cheerfully understand that people prefer the sound of the piano to the sound of the harpsichord (I do too!) and some of the music certainly translates beautifully. The Goldbergs sound great on piano, so why not enjoy it?
That said, harpsichord music is often written in a manner that's completely different to piano music, often containing more flourishes and arpeggios and other devices to "fill out" the sound. This is because the sound of the harpsichord dies very quickly after the initial pluck, and in slower works a denser texture is needed than would be common on piano. Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg, there are lots of other considerations. As a consequence, some harpsichord music just makes no sense on a piano to these ears.
Anyway I am being very purist! Once people enjoy the music that is the main thing here I suppose. I would rather people listen to Bach on the piano than not listen to him at all!!
To be is to do: Socrates
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
Re: What are you listening to?
A lot of people are for some reason....I never quite understood that but then my taste can be somewhat eclectic and I have been listening to the instrument for many years.jaybee wrote:I used to be fierce diquieted by Harpsichord, but I now have three versions of Goldberg
To be is to do: Socrates
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
Re: What are you listening to?
Says he who doesn't like solo piano.fergus wrote:A lot of people are for some reason....I never quite understood that but then my taste can be somewhat eclectic and I have been listening to the instrument for many years.jaybee wrote:I used to be fierce diquieted by Harpsichord, but I now have three versions of Goldberg
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"To appreciate the greatness of the Masters is to keep faith in the greatness of humanity." - Wilhelm Furtwängler
Re: What are you listening to?
^^ I can listen to solo piano all day long and frequently do...
Re: What are you listening to?
Seán wrote:Says he who doesn't like solo piano.fergus wrote:A lot of people are for some reason....I never quite understood that but then my taste can be somewhat eclectic and I have been listening to the instrument for many years.jaybee wrote:I used to be fierce diquieted by Harpsichord, but I now have three versions of Goldberg
LOL!!!
Guilty as charged; I had not thought of that aspect of things!!
Well snared Seán!
To be is to do: Socrates
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
Re: What are you listening to?
![Image](http://cdn.7static.com/static/img/sleeveart/00/007/844/0000784430_350.jpg)
Brass Bands are all very well in their place -
outdoors and several miles away....
outdoors and several miles away....