What are you listening to now?

[Que]

Oooh, goodness..... 

OK, the regulars know where to take this debate! 

The Historically Informed Performances (HIP) debate

Though, as you can read there, everything sofar has been said before.... 

Q

[prémont]

Can't see how... it's essentially the result of natural evolution of improved equipment and performance ... Bach probably would've been thrilled if an 88 key Steinway had been at his disposal

Because HIP knows a lot about historical performance practice and guesses the rest, while NON HIP prefers to ignore historical facts and therefore is bound to guess much more.

[Madiel]

Actually I think it doesn't BOTHER guessing.

Moving on in a way... that Supraphon set of Moravian Duets I was listening to actually uses Dvorak's own piano. I was pleasantly surprised by its tone which I didn't mind at all.

Of course when Dvorak was using it, it was over 100 years younger.

[prémont]

Actually, there is one and only one assumption to NON HIP, namely the obvious and inescapable fact that music is a performing art.

Precisely, and this is why performance practice is most important, and why HIP studies the written sources hereabout from former ages thoroughly. You have got something wrong, if you think that HIP considers the score sacrosanct.

By the way, as Que writes, everything has been said before, and a new discussion of this topic is not that urgent.

[prémont]

Actually I think it doesn't BOTHER guessing.

Of course it doesn't, if this is the only option. My point is, that it is not necessary to guess about everything.

[André]

A short while ago JPC was selling discs of little-known spanish music from the Verso label at a nice discounted price. This cd is made up of a trilogy of symphonic poems composed in the period 1891-94. Although grouped under the title Trilogía sinfónica, each is a different work, sort of like the Dvorak Overtures opus 91-93. The disc also contains de Lara's only symphony from 1892. The booklet notes mention Wagner's influence, but Franck also pokes his nose here and there. Parry and Stanford come to mind too, in that the music is filled with nobility and pathos. De Lara (1863-1929) had some striking melodic ideas, of the sort that both sticks in the mind. They also lend themselves well to lengthy developments. This disc is quite a find IMO.

De Lara had a dual career, similar to that of his contemporary, french composer Jean Cras. A naval commander, he was a major figure in the spanish navy, attaining the rank of Naval Division Commander, as well as being Governor of the province of Pontevedra.

[jwinter]

I've been in a string quartet mood most of the day... switching from Haydn to Mozart, though listening to the "Haydn quartets"...

[SymphonicAddict]

The Music Makers from this:



I think it's my second listen to this work. I didn't recall how good it is!

[ChopinBroccoli]

Actually I think it doesn't BOTHER guessing.

Moving on in a way... that Supraphon set of Moravian Duets I was listening to actually uses Dvorak's own piano. I was pleasantly surprised by its tone which I didn't mind at all.

Of course when Dvorak was using it, it was over 100 years younger.

Exactly

[Madiel]

So long as you understand that was an observation, not an endorsement...

[ChopinBroccoli]

So long as you understand that was an observation, not an endorsement...

Not required to be endorsement

[akebergv]

My unprofessional take on the HIP movement is that I overall I am very happy it happened so that big band Bach a la von Karajan is not the primary option any longer, but I also don't see why one has to take sides and reject either. For Bach, for example, I much prefer HIP for his orchestral and vocal music but more often listen to his keyboard output on a modern piano than on a harpsichord. Should we not rejoice at the range of options? In the end, as far as I am concerned, a committed and informed performance (which takes many shapes and applies applies to old-school as well) is more important than ideology.

[Roasted Swan]

My unprofessional take on the HIP movement is that I overall I am very happy it happened so that big band Bach a la von Karajan is not the primary option any longer, but I also don't see why one has to take sides and reject either. For Bach, for example, I much prefer HIP for his orchestral and vocal music but more often listen to his keyboard output on a modern piano than on a harpsichord. Should we not rejoice at the range of options? In the end, as far as I am concerned, a committed and informed performance (which takes many shapes and applies applies to old-school as well) is more important than ideology.

extremely well put and I agree completely - all I would add to "committed and informed" is technically skilled - which is pretty much a given these days anyway I know......

[Que]

Morning listening:

[asin]B00D8AIUQ0[/asin]
From this recording: Thomas Ashwell's Missa Ave Maria.
The same piece as on the Graindelavoix recording.
I hope it is a coincidence and it doesn't mean there is not much more by Ashwell around.

Q

PS If you guys like to further discuss HIP, I'll be happy to transport the discussion to the HIP debate thread for continuation.

[Harry]

Morning listening:

[asin]B00D8AIUQ0[/asin]
From this recording: Thomas Ashwell's Missa Ave Maria.
The same piece as on the Graindelavoix recording.


Q

I for one recommend the Graindelavoix recording.
A very good morning Que.

[Que]

I for one recommend the Graindelavoix recording.
A very good morning Que.

Good morning, Harry. 

It's pity both ensembles did the same piece.
The Huelgas performance is superb, so for my 1st Graindelavoix recording I might pick another...
Any suggestions? 

Q

[Que]

Next, some Spanish Baroque by Antonio Rodríguez de Hita:

[asin]B0028Z376E[/asin]
http://www.musica-dei-donum.org/cd_reviews/Lauda_LAU009.html

Q

[The new erato]

A very good disc, fine playing and great sound.

Reicha is a great polyphonist, and this collection of quartet fugues are very appelaing (the Ivan Ilic disc on Chandos is also very appealing).

[Mandryka]

Good morning, Harry. 

It's pity both ensembles did the same piece.
The Huelgas performance is superb, so for my 1st Graindelavoix recording I might pick another...
Any suggestions? 

Q

Why don't you come and see them in Utrecht next month sing Gesualdo? I mean you could probably drive home after the concert!

[Madiel]

My unprofessional take on the HIP movement is that I overall I am very happy it happened so that big band Bach a la von Karajan is not the primary option any longer, but I also don't see why one has to take sides and reject either. For Bach, for example, I much prefer HIP for his orchestral and vocal music but more often listen to his keyboard output on a modern piano than on a harpsichord. Should we not rejoice at the range of options? In the end, as far as I am concerned, a committed and informed performance (which takes many shapes and applies applies to old-school as well) is more important than ideology.

I'm exactly the same with Bach in particular. Hearing the balance of the instruments in an orchestra or in a cantata with HIP was a revelation. Having a concerto with a recorder and a trumpet in it suddenly makes sense.

But I'm yet to come on board with listening to the solo keyboard music on anything other than piano.