Classical Music for Aficionados
Excellent comments and excellent versions of this great work. Not to disagree with any of them since we all have our favorites and reasons why, but simply food for thought: While much is sometimes made of the sudden and dramatic dynamic contrasts being indicative or symbolic of the composer’s own personality, I think it is relevant to keep in mind that when Beethoven composed this work, no piano existed that would allow a player to take those contrasts to the extremes that some modern interpretations of the work take them. Beethoven’s instruments simply did not have the power of a modern Steinway or Bosendorfer. In that context, some of the choices made in some interpretations sometimes strike me as a bit of dynamic excess. |
Excellent point about the instruments of Beethoven's day. But thankful we have the modern instruments. Esp the brass. I can only imagine that modern ensembles sound much better, with the ability to more faithfully recreate the composer's intent, than those back in the day. The excess that bothers me, is the body language and facial expressions of some of the players / Conductors. Lenny and Ochida being prime examples. No one can feel that much passion, instantly on command. Cheers |
Lenny and Ochida being prime examples. No one can feel that much passion, instantly on command.Have you ever make love with someone you are confortable with? The public disapear for some artist which are only with themselves and their own "daimon", and the feeling which inhabit and haunted them for a work they feel already for a long time is not "on command"....It is like jazz players mimics and odd gestures singing behind and tapping feet.... |
Nobody can deny that Uchida is a great Artist , I have many of her Schubert CD’s and have heard her live Schubert . To my bystander ear Perahia does everything all at once , floats and is hyper-serious at the same time , a soulful poet . rv, it is the same with a soldier , after 10 thousand rounds go downrange without a miss , you just do it . This is the only op 57 I own , Its old and fast and I make no claims other than I love it . https://youtu.be/CcIdgp-vLgc?t=2 |
