HIP Poll

[Keemun]

In what ways?

I find there to be more clarity to the music, and the sound, whether it is the instruments or how they are played, just goes better with the music Bach wrote.

Here are two short examples from Bach's Mass in B Minor:

Suzuki/Bach Collegium Japan (HIP):

[mp3=200,20,0,center]http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/6/4/1945216/Suzuki.mp3[/mp3]

Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Non-HIP):

[mp3=200,20,0,center]http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/6/4/1945216/Karajan.mp3[/mp3]



Let me know your thoughts on the differences.

[BachQ]

I'm going to suspend my vote until I see how Rod Corkin votes.

[mn dave]

Let me know your thoughts on the differences.

I can't listen now. Will try later. Thanks.

[mn dave]

I'm going to suspend my vote until I see how Rod Corkin votes.

Who?

[jochanaan]

I'm going to suspend my vote until I see how Rod Corkin votes.

What in the world for?

[Wanderer]

... irregardless of arrangement or the age of the instruments, the main thing I like to hear is the music played with heartfelt energy & passion. Someone that really brings the music to life. Instruments are just tools afterall, it's who's behind them that truly makes all the difference ultimately.

I agree completely.

[prémont]

For what?

Depend on, what you meant above.

[prémont]

Some have stated that these old instruments are preferred in the music of their era. So, I'm trying to get to the bottom of that. They sound "better" to strict HIPsters, but how so?

They do not sound better per se, but they are better suited to the music, which was composed for these instruments.

[mn dave]

Depend on, what you meant above.

I guess the "best" would be the latest model using the current technology. Unless somewhere along the way the instrument-makers made a wrong turn.

[mn dave]

They do not sound better per se, but they are better suited to the music, which was composed for these instruments.

If Bach were resurrected, I wonder what he'd say about his old material being played on harpsichords when there are perfectly fine pianos around.

Or would he complain after hearing his Goldbergs played on the piano because they were meant for the harpsichord?

He'd probably want to compose new music for the new instrument.

[Que]

He'd probably want to compose new music for the new instrument.

Oh, sure. But that is not the same thing as using it to play the music he did not compose for it.

Q

[Que]

I guess the "best" would be the latest model using the current technology. Unless somewhere along the way the instrument-makers made a wrong turn.

Different sound does not equal better sound.
Much effort went into more volume and longer sustainability - all fueled by the fact that bigger spaces were used to perform in. Does that make it better?

Q

[mn dave]

Oh, sure. But that is not the same thing as using it to play the music he did not compose for it.

Q

Did he write for a specific instrument though? Or just any keyboard?

[mn dave]

- all fueled by the fact that bigger spaces were used to perform in.

Oh, that's the only reason?

[Que]

Did he write for a specific instrument though? Or just any keyboard?

As far I know: clavichord and different types of harpsichords (harpsichord, lute-harpsicord, pedal-harpsichord)

Oh, that's the only reason?

Why else would you need more volume? To harass the neighbours?

Q

[Brian]

As far I know: clavichord and different types of harpsichords (harpsichord, lute-harpsicord, pedal-harpsichord)

Q

Next month Naxos is releasing two discs of Bach's music for lute-harpsichord.

[mn dave]

Next month Naxos is releasing two discs of Bach's music for lute-harpsichord.

Why didn't they just call it a lute-sichord? And what the heck is it? Or do I want to know?

[Que]

Next month Naxos is releasing two discs of Bach's music for lute-harpsichord.

Thanks, Brian!  Who's playing?

Why didn't they just call it a lute-sichord? And what the heck is it? Or do I want to know?

Well, it's called a "Lautenwerck" in German, so you can blame the British for the term "lute-harpsicord"...

What is it? See here or here

Do you want to know? Well, you sure don't sound like it. But Bach liked the instrument, and now let's assume for just a second that he was a very musical man...

Q

[mn dave]

But Bach liked the instrument, and now let's assume for just a second that he was a very musical man.

Well, he was forced to use what was at hand. 

[Brian]

Thanks, Brian!  Who's playing?

Elizabeth Farr. Should be great