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Date: | Thu, 19 Aug 1999 17:06:43 -0400 |
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Juozas Rimas wrote:
>I needed two days to appreciate Bach's three-part inventions performed
>by Glenn Gould. At first I didn't understand a thing, hearing a stream
>of seemingly unrelated notes...
Well, you're not the only one. I will try to be equitable so as not to
rouse the ire of the Gould enthusiasts, but good ol' Glenn may not be the
best place to start with the inventions. Some of them are merely played
quirkily and with peculiar idiosyncracies, but others are truly odd. I
have played two of the inventions, the perennial favorites in d minor and
a minor (nos. 4 and 13), and I could barely recognize them in their
Gouldian incarnations. It's been a while since I listened to the CD, but
my memories of it are decidedly mixed. I wish I could offer a better
recommendation, but I think other listmembers with larger discographies
could help you more adequately. I just wanted to point out the possibility
that it may not be the music that's giving you trouble!
>Could you express your opinion on his inventions? Some
>of them seem to be too pedagogic (especially the fast ones) and I'm very
>afraid of it because it often means I'll have to skip the track not feeling
>that the work was composed with true inspiration). Thanks.
Yeah, it sounds like it may be Gould who is giving you trouble. I have
heard the Well-Tempered Klavier accused of excessive academicism before
by *certain parties*, but never the inventions and sinfonias (three-part
inventions). They seem to me somewhat less polyphonically imposing than
the 48. I believe, in fact, they were to be used as stepping stones by an
aspiring pianist on the way to the Well-Tempered Klavier. Personally, I
find them to be delightful pieces as well as excellent examples of a master
at the height of his craft. I strongly suggest you keep at it, perhaps
with a different recording, and perhaps even with the music...they make
great finger exercises if you play the piano!
Happy listening...
--everitt clark
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