RE: GG

["Williamson, Mark" <MWilliamson@alston.com>]

I have heard a number of Schiff's Bach recordings and have always found
them very impressive.  They are quite different from Mr. Gould, that is
for sure.

But I would have to agree that when it comes to Bach Mr. Gould is, IMHO,
the leading authority.  I am particularly intrigued how anyone can
criticize the English suites which I consider to be not only definitive
recordings but indeed one of the most inspired musical undertakings
ever.  "Genius" is probably an overused word when it comes to Mr. Gould
but for me it is the only word that adequately describes those
recordings.

I have heard somewhat more criticism of Mr. Gould's French suites but I
have great difficulty finding fault with those either.

Mark

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	S. Hulme [SMTP:hulme@post.guernsey.net]
> Sent:	Wednesday, August 05, 1998 2:47 PM
> To:	f_minor@email.rutgers.edu
> Subject:	GG
> 
> I note that Andras Schiff's WTC recordings are recommended (by Penguin
> I
> think).  I also have read from similar sources that GG's recordings of
> the English Suites were disastrously misconceived.
> 
> Would anyone agree with me when I say that I can find few redeeming
> features in what I have heard of any of Mr Schiff's playing,
> especially
> Bach, and to hold his recordings of Bach before those of GG to be
> bordering upon the absurd.
> 
> Please understand that I am not trying to bad mouth Schiff, nor am I
> trying to say that all GG did was good, and that all that other people
> do (when an alternative viewpoint is represented) is bad.  I would
> just
> be interested to know whether others share my viewpoint about such
> things.
> 
> I would also be interested to hear other peoples opinions upon areas
> in
> which they are unhappy with GG's interpretations.  Do they feel his
> actions in these area's to be 'justified'?