RE: rosalyn tureck - wow !

[Martin J Smith <martinj.smith@bbc.co.uk>]

Well, although we do have a Gould list here, other pianists have to be ok.
BUT, I have to say that I find it a bit strange when anyone says that one
interpretation is "better" than another, or "trumps it or whatever. Once a
certain technical proficiency has been reached (how easy that sounds... )
then surely who are we to start saying what is of higher aesthetic value? 

Incidentally, all the talk of scores that appeared over the weekend reminded
me of how good it is to look through the score while listening to GG. Even
to non-musicians (another dodgy term in my view but we'll skip that one) it
can be really interesting.

I'm sure you'll also be pleased to know that it's so sunny in Cardiff this
morning that we've had to close the office blinds. Spring is on the way over
here! 

Best wishes,

Martin

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Jörgen Lundmark [SMTP:jorgen.lundmark@sundsvall.nu]
> Sent:	Sunday, January 31, 1999 5:25 AM
> To:	f_minor mailing list
> Subject:	Re: rosalyn tureck - wow !
> 
> Hello all!
> 
> I can't help finding these discussion on Tureck's abilities a little bit
> strange. Not
> as such perhaps, but it does follow a certain pattern of this group:
> 
> When discussing a particular Gould interpretation - especially Bach -
> there always
> pops up other pianists who by some reason or other interpret the works in
> question
> much more sensibly, or whatever the correct term might be. How come these
> brilliant
> musicians - I don't question that for a moment, Tureck is without a doubt
> a prominent
> pianist - never get the attention and admiration of Glenn Gould? I refuse
> to believe
> there's just the mystical aura that surround Mr. Gould, which makes him
> more of a
> celebrity. No, I would venture to say that he, generally speaking, is the
> greater
> artist. Together with other giants of the keyboard (I refrain from
> mentioning any
> names, since I believe that on this list, Gould should be the main subject
> matter),
> he makes a difference.
> 
> It's interesting to read these insightful comments on other artists, but
> reading them
> at least I find the balance shifted TOO MUCH in favour of Rosalyn Tureck
> et al. I
> repeat, this is a Gould list, and it should in my mind attract more Gould
> fans than
> the more hesitant. This doesn't mean I'm of the opinion that EVERY
> messages on
> F-minor should be pro Gould!
> 
> In connection with this, I find it appalling that the Philips "Great
> Pianists of
> the..." doesn't contain one second of Bach played by Glenn Gould.
> 
> Bradley P Lehman wrote:
> 
> > On Sun, 31 Jan 1999, Neil wrote:
> >
> > > Anyone heard the partitas yet ? I have and they are really
> outstanding. She's a
> > > very very wonderful Bach player with so much imaginiation, technical
> equipment
> > > and the right feel for gravity of these masterworks.
> > >
> > > What's doubly fascinating is to hear so much of GG's interpretations.
> I'm sure
> > > he must have known them very well before he set down his at least of
> 1-4 (5/6
> > > are pre-Tureck). I have a strong feeling they, if you'll pardon the
> phrase,
> > > cross pollenated if each other's feelings on the music.
> > >
> > > I do recommend them though. perhaps on balance GG's are a little more
> exciting
> > > and daring, but Tureck has the spiritual side wrapped up and when she
> comes to
> > > the 6th she's just as moving as GG I think. What a splendid day I had
> listening
> > > yesterday !
> > >
> > > Ps any other tureck recommendations.
> >
> > What you said on all the interpretive points, but make it "Goldberg
> > Variations," the version from her concerts at William F. Buckley's home:
> > TROY007, released 1988.  [The booklet includes the address: Classical
> > Music, Inc. \ Box 355, Albany NY 12201 \ 518-449-5286]
> >
> > I dug out and listened again to this one last week due to the discussion
> > here on this list, and (for me) her version here seriously trumps the GG
> > 1981 version.  I also watched the GG video version again last week, just
> > to make sure, and I think it's "no contest."  Once again, if this piece
> is
> > to be played on piano at all, Tureck has the spiritual side wrapped up
> > compared with GG's 1981.  (For the moment I'm not comparing these two
> > against GG's earlier efforts, which really are in a different stylistic
> > world from these, or indeed from anyone else's.)
> >
> > And flip on through the booklet, and whom do we find as remixer and
> > release producer?  Andrew Kazdin.
> >
> > -----
> >
> > Over the weekend I also re-listened to the Partitas played on
> harpsichord
> > by Edward Parmentier (Wildboar WLBR 9101).  That's someone else to whom
> > I'd also apply your assessment:  "Anyone heard the partitas yet ? I have
> > and they are really outstanding. He's a very very wonderful Bach player
> > with so much imagination, technical equipment and the right feel for
> > gravity of these masterworks."
> > http://www.musicaloffering.com/wildtip3.htm#9101
> >
> > Bradley Lehman ~ Harrisonburg VA, USA ~ 38.45716N+78.94565W
> > bpl@umich.edu ~ http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bpl/
> 
>