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Posted by Stephen Walsh on October 20, 19102 at 06:43:07:
In Reply to: Re: George Frideric Handel posted by John Rasmussen on October 19, 19102 at 18:35:02:
I did not mean to create the impression that I am partial to Handel over J.S Bach! What I meant by the phrase "Bach pianist" is the fact that since so much of Bach's keyboard music has become standard piano fare (eg. the Well-Tempered Clavier), piano students often see them as little more than finger exercises to prepare them for the 'good stuff' of Chopin and Liszt. Consequently, stylistic concerns in the interpretation of Bach's works are not treated with the care that they require, although one may argue that it would be pointless to play the piano as if it were a harpsichord, and to use the full resources of the piano such as sustaining pedal is the only way to bring the music alive on the modern instrument. Yet many piano students, and indeed many great pianists, have a lack of understanding of Baroque performance practice that
is reflected in their interpretation of these works.
I am a great admirer of Bach and his work, particularly his organ music, which includes such brilliant pieces as the Fantasia and Fugue in g minor BWV 542, and of course the Great Pacaglia and Fugue in C minor BWV 582. And the St Matthew Pion is one of the most moving oratorios ever created.
To compare Handel and Bach would be quite pointless, as their musical styles and aesthetics are very different: Bach was composing largely for the Thomaskirche in the then fairly small town of Leipzig, whereas Handel was composing largely for King George II in London, at that time the largest city in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Bach was not particularly drawn to what he saw as the superficiality of opera, whereas for Handel opera was central to his career. Bach's music is often on a very spiritual level employing counterpoint as a philosophical, expressive device whereas Handel was primarily concerned with theatricality. The list is endless. I have included a link at the bottom of the page that discusses these differences between the two composers in great detail.
I agree with your point that great performances are possible on modern instruments, indeed a modern instrument ensemble with a great feel and flair for the Baroque style can produce a performance perhaps even superior to some on period instruments.
Regarding the mixing of modern and period instruments, in the case of the harpsichord and recorders I'm afraid there are no tasteful alternatives. The only possibility would be to substitute piano and flutes, but the piano would not fulfil the requirement of a bo continuo part which is largely rhythmic because the harpsichord's percussive sound cannot be recreated on any other instrument, and flutes just have an altogether different timbre to recorders. The only solution would be to keep instruments such as the harpsichord and recorder, and make a compromise with the orchestra by either cutting it down or having it play softer in the soloistic parts. The choice of harpsichord is also an issue- some have a strong tone capable of ripping straight through almost any orchestral texture, whereas some struggle to be heard even in a trio sonata!
A similar dilemma exists in attempting to put together a performance of a Mozart piano concerto with a fortepiano soloist facing a modern orchestra, yet indeed through experimentation a great performance is possible. Being also an ardent admirer of Purcell, I know that most recordings of his music nowadays are period instrument ones, even taking into consideration a lot of the time such details as authentic temperament for organ music and the Baroque pitch of late 17th century London. I cannot remember if the English National Opera's magnificent staging of The Queen (you can watch it for free at www.onlineclics.com, along with a lot of other great music) was made with period instruments, but it is an outstanding performance which I am drawn to time and time again.
Of course period instruments are generally not easily obtainable and most of the time only modern instruments will be available, however with a good sense of style and taste, it is possible to put together a magnificent performance of music from any period in history.
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