The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: "new" Harold Wright recordings

Author: brycon
Date: 2016-09-04 01:22

I once read an essay (though I can't recall by or for whom) on what the author argues were three archetypal forms of the virtuoso: the showman/woman (perhaps like Yuja Wang), the genius (similar to Glenn Gould), and the humanitarian (Yo-Yo Ma). Of course, these types aren't rigid; one performer may exhibit traits of several or all of them at various times.

One of the essay's points was that it isn't only a matter of how the audience perceives a particular performer but how the performer views him/herself. Seems many here disparage the showman-type of virtuoso, as though it's somehow a less valid form of performance than the deep-thinking interpreter; I often see the criticism couched in the phrase "He has great technique, but...". I wonder how much (if at all) this sort of thing is based on one's own playing and preference rather than a fair listening.

The Rossini isn't deep. It's entirely a show-off piece, which is why it's weird to see complaints of performers playing cadenzas or exhibiting their articulation: the music demands showmanship. (Is there any doubt 19th-century audiences would have expected a cadenza on the 6/4 chord?) I'd argue that a "musical" performance of Rossini is the one that takes more risks, faster tempos, etc.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics