Bach's Inventions & Sinfonias

[SonicMan46]

I have, Dave, and I wouldn't recommend it. Kinda dull and uneventfull, a lot of legato playing.
I was more postive initially but the enthusiasm wore off (check premont's comment further down the same page as that linked post).

Q - thanks for the comments above - seems like Troeger's performance of the Toccatas (as pictured by Gurn) received more positive reviews; Lyrichord offers a $10 download of these offerings (w/ the liner notes as a PDF file) - but will 'hold off' for the moment - Dave 

[SonicMan46]

Now listening to these works on a restored clavichord made by Johann Christoph Georg Schiedmayer from 1789 and performed by Jaroslav Tůma, an Antoine recommendation - obtained as an MP3 download from Arta HERE in the Czech Republic for about $8.  Files now on my iPod and music playing on the den speakers.  This is certainly a 'change of pace' and a nice alternate to my piano & harpsichord versions (and possibly the way Bach play these works?) - the booklet notes in English are on the Arta website (just use the link); will burn a CD-R later - 

[Josquin des Prez]

(and possibly the way Bach play these works?)

I'm pretty sure Bach had an harpsichord. Really, i don't get the fascination people have for the clavichord. Its just like an harpsichord, except its sounds like shit. Where's the attraction?

[Clever Hans]

I'm pretty sure Bach had an harpsichord. Really, i don't get the fascination people have for the clavichord. Its just like an harpsichord, except its sounds like shit. Where's the attraction?

The clavichord has a completely different tangent mechanism and would have been used often for playing and teaching in the household.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

I'm pretty sure Bach had an harpsichord. Really, i don't get the fascination people have for the clavichord. Its just like an harpsichord, except its sounds like shit. Where's the attraction?

I think the point of a clavichord was so that you could play without disturbing the neighbors. Why else would anyone invent such a wimpy instrument?

[Josquin des Prez]

I think the point of a clavichord was so that you could play without disturbing the neighbors. Why else would anyone invent such a wimpy instrument?

You might be onto something here.

[Gurn Blanston]

I'm pretty sure Bach had an harpsichord. Really, i don't get the fascination people have for the clavichord. Its just like an harpsichord, except its sounds like shit. Where's the attraction?

Actually, it is nothing like a harpsichord, since it has an entirely different mechanism for making its noise (as Hans says above). Also it can do some different sorts of things, like bending notes and play louder or softer, which gives the ability to add a lot more expression than a cembalo can. It is true, however, that they can scarcely generate enough volume to fill up a large room. And they aren't intended for that purpose. When you listen to a recording of one, if you turn it way up to hear it better, you are totally defeating the purpose. If you want loud, listen to a Steinway.

[SonicMan46]

I'm pretty sure Bach had an harpsichord. Really, i don't get the fascination people have for the clavichord. Its just like an harpsichord, except its sounds like shit. Where's the attraction?

JS Bach had quite a few keyboard instruments at home, including a number of clavichords - this was an ideal instrument for him in that situation (wife & kids all trying to sleep!), and also for multiple purposes (composing, playing, teaching, etc.).  In fact, there is much support that the clavichord was one of his favorite keyboard instruments - see the attached PDF file (a nice essay by Miklos Spanyi) which supports Papa Bach's love for this 'wimpy instrument.'

Gurn has already given a brief explanation of the differences between the harpsichord and clavichord - the Wiki Article HERE provides further details on the history and the mechanisms of this fascinating keyboard option for those interested and w/ a curiosity to understand the development of the keyboards from the past - Bach is indeed considered a master of the clavichord!  Also, checkout the the visit by Charles Burney to CPE Bach HERE; Burney was amazed at CPE's facility w/ this instrument (and this was the latter half of the 18th century) - NOW, Carl PE must have had a rather GOOD 'role model', do you think?

For those who do have an interest in the clavichord, please enjoy these links and essay - just a googling of clavichord will birng up plenty of links to a number of societies, recordings, and even sales pitches - this is an instrument making a COMEBACK and should not be neglected by poorly informed WIMPS! 

[Josquin des Prez]

In fact, there is much support that the clavichord was one of his favorite keyboard instruments

Yeah, of the three keyboard instruments available to him at the time, the clavichord came third. Some evidence. Far more compelling would have been to prove that any of his major compositions were written specifically for the clavichord, which obviously they are not. Considering the genesis of his musical style, it is apparent why he had no interest in the instrument. 

Also, checkout the the visit by Charles Burney to CPE Bach HERE; Burney was amazed at CPE's facility w/ this instrument (and this was the latter half of the 18th century) - NOW, Carl PE must have had a rather GOOD 'role model', do you think?

I'm pretty sure there is nothing special about learning to play a clavichord if you are already a virtuoso on the harpsichord. The two instruments are virtually identical, regardless of the underlying mechanism by which they produce their sound. The clavichord is to an harpsichord what a plastic flute is to a real traverso. Its a toy instrument, something used for private practice and nothing more.

[Scarpia]

Yeah, of three keyboard instruments available to him at the time, the clavichord game third. Some evidence. Far more compelling would have been to prove that any of his major compositions were written specifically for the clavichord, which obviously they are not. Considering the genesis of his musical style, it is apparent why he had no interest in the instrument. 

I'm pretty sure there is nothing special about learning to play a clavichord if you are already a virtuoso on the harpsichord. The two instruments are virtually identical, regardless of the underlying mechanism by which they produce their sound. The clavichord is to an harpsichord what a plastic flute is a to a real traverso. Its a toy instrument, something used for private practice and nothing more.

By and large, people listen to Bach performed on clavichord because they like the sound of the clavichord, not because they make any claims that it is superior to the harpsichord, or because they believe it was Bach's favorite instrument, etc.  Evidently you don't like the sound of the clavichord.  Then don't listen to recordings of the clavichord, and give this nonsense a rest.

[czgirb]

I'll just restrict myself to harpsichord recordings.  My preferences:

Kenneth Gilbert/Harmonia Mundi
Gustav Leonhardt/Sony
Blandine Verlet/Naive
Masaaki Suzuki/BIS

The best I've heard is from Bob van Asperen on the Aeolus label.  This one has fantastic dialogue and state of the art sound.  The catalog number is 10034 [78:15].  The reason for the extended length is not any slowness on van Asperen's part; he includes an additional 12 short "exercises" that are most rewarding.

Dear Don, you said Kenneth Gilbert on Harmonia Mundi But I found nothing. (Bach Cantata)
Please do a pleasure for me by showing me it's Cover ...
Thank you.

[PaulSC]

Could Don have meant DG? That's the only Gilbert Inv/Sinf recording I know of.

[czgirb]

Maybe ... that's the only Gilbert's Inventions I found yesterday.
But ... Don mention the records not just once ... that's why I'm asking this.

[Gurn Blanston]

Could Don have meant DG? That's the only Gilbert Inv/Sinf recording I know of.

Your call. I posted this on the previous page. Some people call Archiv 'DG', many call it Archiv. However, I don't know of another one than this...



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Now playing:
Talich Quartet \ Karel Rehak (Viola) - K 581 Quintet in A for Clarinet & Strings 4th mvmt - Allegretto con variazioni

[Bulldog]

Your call. I posted this on the previous page. Some people call Archiv 'DG', many call it Archiv. However, I don't know of another one than this...

Yes, that's the one.  Sorry for any confusion.

[czgirb]

Yes, that's the one.  Sorry for any confusion.

No need to say sorry ... thank you for the explanation.
Thank you ... but the CD is hard to find here.

[czgirb]

Kenneth Gilbert/Harmonia Mundi
Gustav Leonhardt/Sony
Blandine Verlet/Naive
Masaaki Suzuki/BIS

How about Elisabeth Joyé

[PaulSC]

Joyé's only recording of the Inv/Sinf is on the Alpha label.


[asin]B000088SU7[/asin]

[czgirb]

Joyé's only recording of the Inv/Sinf is on the Alpha label.
[asin]B000088SU7[/asin]

Yup! What your opinion about it? Is it good? Have any review of it?
Thanx

[SonicMan46]

Yup! What your opinion about it? Is it good? Have any review of it?
Thanx

Check reply #35 on the previous page of this thread - a short review quoted HERE from BBC Magazine -