GG: Art of Fugue

[Alun Severn <alun@ukiah.demon.co.uk>]

Folks,

I have a question. OK, two questions.

1.      When speaking of the 1981 revisit to the 'bergs,
        GG said (and it's quoted in the Friedrich book but I'm
        too tired/lazy to look it up) that there was very
        little in the 'bergs that moved him to the extent
        that Art of Fugue did: that, definitively, he claimed
        was his favourite Bach. In this case, why do you
        think he (a) only recorded part of it, and (b) chose
        organ rather than piano? I'm curious -- but I bet
        someone out there knows some good reasons...

2.      The Toccatas as I write tonight. And before that a
        little of the Salzburg 'bergs and some of the Three
        Part Sinfonias -- but, oh, the sound on those Sinfonias
        is pretty disappointing, isn't it. The sound, clarity and
        tone of the '59 'bergs is terrific, however -- but do I
        detect "raggedness" in the later variations? Again, just curious.

Very best,  Alun

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