BBC Young Musician on BBC4 - woodwind

[Hornspieler]

The "problem" with the recorder is that it was taken up as an instrument in schools

In many ways it's a far from ideal instrument when compared to the whistle as to play well requires a great degree of breath control that it's hard to have when you are 8
If you visit primary schools in Ireland you find that everyone plays the whistle which has a much faster learning curve and pupils seem to enjoy playing together from the start.

(this is also one of the reasons why the whole "Sistema" style things that are happening in the UK are not such a good idea ! but that's another argument all together !)

The recorder, when played well, can be a wonderful thing to listen to ...........

"... sounds like a moth in a bottle" is what I once heard it described as, but I agree that it can be musically played and was - on this occasion.
(BTW Jimmy Galway was a great exponent of the penny whistle)

I would like to see the judges in a tent, just like the brass band contests, so that they have no idea of the name, sex, age, appearence (including mannerisms) of the contestants, and they can be totally objective about what they hear.

On this occasion, they would probably have reached the same verdict, but I wonder whether that 14 year old 'cellist would be at an advantage in the final? (and the keyboard section is still to come - or have I missed it?)
HS

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

you missed the keyboard ....

is this sort of thing best done extremely well and in FULL or not at all?

[Aubade]

I didn't see this. Haven't watched for some years as the format got worse. However, I followed the link that ardcarp gave. I was shocked by the "how-does-that-feel?" gush from CBH. But more seriously, the accompanists were not acknowledged. Can they all have been have been from the band (including the pianist)? The percussion accompanying the winner was sensational. Even if band members, they should still have been credited.

[ardcarp]

so that they have no idea of the name, sex, age, appearence (including mannerisms) of the contestants, and they can be totally objective about what they hear.

Like in The Voice?

[Mr Pee]

Like in The Voice?

I should have thought the gender of the vocalist was pretty obvious......

[gamba]

To those with reservations regarding the alto recorder, I would like to invite them to listen to the opening passages of Bach's 'mourning' cantata no.106, ' Gottes Zeit ist die Allerbeste Zeit .'

The two recorders express an air of sepulchral solemnity - a hollow tone, ideally suited to the occasion. These, plus two viola da gambas, " their veiled timbre belongs to the very essence of the music " to quote Albert Schweitzer, provide an atmosphere & aural experience unobtainable with modern instruments.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

i have just watched the young lady's performance again on iPlayer astonishing playing ....

[gamba]

i have just watched the young lady's performance again on iPlayer astonishing playing ....

Thanks for the chance to 'sample' BWV 106 again - gamba

[gamba]

I love the way the recorders get 'the last word ' at the very end of this piece.

gamba

[ardcarp]

I would like to invite them to listen to the opening passages of Bach's 'mourning' cantata no.106, ' Gottes Zeit ist die Allerbeste Zeit .'

Agreed! The whole cantata (a very early one) is a most affecting piece. The soprano Ja, Komm and the tenor In Deine Hande...leave me speechless.

[ardcarp]

PS I have an old recording by Wolfgang Gonnenwein with Cosortium Musicum. Just love it....pre-HIPP but actually quite naturally HIPP through being born of the tradition.

[gamba]

PS I have an old recording by Wolfgang Gonnenwein with Cosortium Musicum. Just love it....pre-HIPP but actually quite naturally HIPP through being born of the tradition.

Have just discovered the Gustav Leonhardt version on YouTube - a dream come true !!

[ardcarp]

Link?

[gamba]

Link?

ardcarp - google; bach cantata 106 musica antiqua amsterdam

Sorry I can't give you a 'proper address.'

[ardcarp]

Thanks. I got a load of awful ones when I Youtubed.