Period or Modern Instruments

[Don]

I select period instruments - reasons later.

[bhodges]

Although I can be happy with either, I generally prefer period instruments these days.

--Bruce

[Don]

Same ol' tired topics...

I personally don't care, whether it's played on synthesizers, saxophones, brass, electric guitar, mallets, period instruments or whatever - as long as the performance is really fresh & happening, I'm open to all possibilities.

An eclectic view.  I much prefer period strings for their more pungent/cutting tones.

[karlhenning]

Although I can be happy with either, I generally prefer period instruments these days.

Ditto.

[jochanaan]

For recordings, definitely period; we've got enough of the other type, and as beautiful as some of the older recordings are, I still revel in the period instruments' leaner sound.  But in a concert setting I'm a little more like James.

[karlhenning]

For recordings, definitely period; we've got enough of the other type, and as beautiful as some of the older recordings are, I still revel in the period instruments' leaner sound.  But in a concert setting I'm a little more like James.

Separately . . .  YHM, you know 

[Don]

Not really...

True, I was just being generous.

[karlhenning]

I knew that.

[(poco) Sforzando]

It all depends on the period.

[Keemun]

It all depends on the period.

Read the poll question. 

[Gurn Blanston]

Period for Baroque, in fact, all the way through early Romantic. My passion is diminished after 1840, but I still would give a listen and possibly go with it, it just matters less.



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Listening to:
Peter Schreier / Walter Olbertz - Bia 496 WoO 136  Lied in D "Andenken"

[DavidW]

I guess the question becomes uninteresting if you listen to modern music...

[Gurn Blanston]

I guess the question becomes uninteresting if you listen to modern music...

Read the poll question. 

No, not really.



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Listening to:
Otetto Italiano - Octet for Oboe (2), Clarinet (2), Bassoon (2) and Horn (2) in Eb - Op. 103: 2. Andante

[DavidW]

No, not really.



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Listening to:
Otetto Italiano - Octet for Oboe (2), Clarinet (2), Bassoon (2) and Horn (2) in Eb - Op. 103: 2. Andante

*cough* neo-baroque *cough*

[Gurn Blanston]

*cough* neo-baroque *cough*

I knew that's what you meant...



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Listening to:
Otetto Italiano - Octet for Oboe (2), Clarinet (2), Bassoon (2) and Horn (2) in Eb - Op. 103: 3. Menuetto

[DavidW]

Well alright I admit it, I didn't read the poll.  D'oh!

[M forever]

Musical playing and style is the #1 criterion. If it doesn't have that, in whatever form, then it doesn't matter if it is played on "period instruments" or not. If it has that, it doesn't matter either. The instruments used and the colors produced from them are only part of the overall picture. And probably not even the most important part. It is a complete error to believe that "period instruments" automatically sound "authentic". Anyone who knows just a little bit about period performance knows that a lot of people play music from historical periods with wrong historical instruments and playing styles. At that point, it becomes simply ridiculous.
I also enjoy the vivid, strong and characterful colors many period instruments can produce, especially natural horns, "period" oboe and bassoon sounds etc, but again, the musical value of a performance is what counts.

[Gurn Blanston]

Musical playing and style is the #1 criterion. If it doesn't have that, in whatever form, then it doesn't matter if it is played on "period instruments" or not. If it has that, it doesn't matter either. The instruments used and the colors produced from them are only part of the overall picture. And probably not even the most important part. It is a complete error to believe that "period instruments" automatically sound "authentic". Anyone who knows just a little bit about period performance knows that a lot of people play music from historical periods with wrong historical instruments and playing styles. At that point, it becomes simply ridiculous.
I also enjoy the vivid, strong and characterful colors many period instruments can produce, especially natural horns, "period" oboe and bassoon sounds etc, but again, the musical value of a performance is what counts.

Completely agree. Which is why I, for one, very carefully avoided any mention of "authenticity". It is precisely the sound that I prefer. I have lots of recordings of "old" music on "new" instruments, and enjoy a great many of them. But if all other things are equal, then the colors will tip the scale for me every time.


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Listening to:
Otetto Italiano - Sextet for Clarinet (2), Bassoon (2), Horn (2) in Eb - Op. 71: 1. Adagio - Allegro

[karlhenning]

Well alright I admit it, I didn't read the poll.  D'oh!

Spoken like a gentleman! (Apart from the barbaric "d'oh," I mean) 

[knight66]

Although I can be happy with either, I generally prefer period instruments these days.

--Bruce

That speaks for me too.

Mike