Prom 73 - 7.09.17: Sir András Schiff performs Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier

[Ein Heldenleben]

That was one of the most staggering displays of musicianship , control and intellect I have ever seen . He seemed to be drawing the sound out of the piano rather than striking the keys . Wonderful legato but hardly ,if at all , seemed to be using the pedal. I wonder if he is one of those pianists who play a section of the WTC every day as , not a finger loosener , but a form of medative musical loosening ,as it were, as well as a much more enriching technical exercise than scales, Czerny or Hanon. It's not so much that he has the work "under his fingers " as in his soul.

[BBMmk2]

Mesmerising

The TV coverage a blessed change from the norm - no extraneous presenters, just a short piece to camera from Schiff before, and not a word said after: just applause, roll credits and finish.

THAT's the way to save licence fee money, and improve things at the same time.

That's all we need Cali! Me and MrsBBM will have to catch up on this one.

[Darkbloom]

I don't disagree with the superlatives this performance has been given, but I found myself wishing I had enjoyed it a bit more. On the radio before the performance he described the 48 as a blend of sacred and secular, although it seemed to be rather more of the former and not enough of the latter. I wanted a bit more earthy contrast at times but I didn't hear it. Just a personal view and I'm glad others found it so rewarding.

[Beresford]

Usually I prefer to hear the WTC on a harpsichord (often more fun) rather than a piano, but the superb muscianship of Andras Schiff made Thursday's performance very enjoyable, especially towards the end. He is down to play Book 2 next year. In the subsequent 3 or 4 years I would love to hear the same programme, with the Art of Fugue, played on a harpsichord by Andreas Staier (he was on TTN last night) or someone as good. Maybe as a chamber prom. Maybe on tv.

[Constantbee]

Mesmerising

The TV coverage a blessed change from the norm - no extraneous presenters, just a short piece to camera from Schiff before, and not a word said after: just applause, roll credits and finish.

THAT's the way to save licence fee money, and improve things at the same time.

So true. By the same token maybe you enjoy the occasional 5 minute fillers on BBC 4 TV of Freddy Kemp playing Chopin Etudes? WTC pieces would suit slots like that quite well, imho.

[Pianorak]

. . . I wanted a bit more earthy contrast at times but I didn't hear it. . .

I think you might find that in Sviatoslav Richter's performance of the 48.

[gradus]

Richter absolutely and I'd love to hear Anderszewski play them. I only wish I could manage them.

[Darkbloom]

I think you might find that in Sviatoslav Richter's performance of the 48.

I had Richter at the back of my mind while I listened last night. They sound quite similar to me - a full, rounded tone - but Richter adjusted the temperature rather more than Schiff, so that the peaks of Book 1 felt that bit more impressive.

[ardcarp]

I think you might find that in Sviatoslav Richter's performance of the 48.

If that is what you want. But it is Schiff's almost 'hands-off' approach which I just love. Second only to Ms Hewitt in my affections! No pulling around, just great articulation and the subtlest of phrasing. Also no attempt to dig into the power of the modern concert Steinway. As far as Heldenleben's point about memorising the dots, that's no great feat. One might also think that as the 48 are within the grasp of the average fumbling pianist, performing it in public (even very public) might not be such a big deal. BUT, there is no undergrowth to hide in among the relentless logic of Bach's lines. I suspect (but don't know) that a performer might feel less exposed in, say, Hammerklavier, Islamei or Gaspard.

[vinteuil]

Second only to Ms Hewitt in my affections! .

... oh dear. O dear, oh dear, oh dear. Dearie me. This will never do...



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(... not a fan of la Hewitt. O dear no, not at all.... )


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[pastoralguy]

Hewitt is the best! And I have her entire set signed by the lady herself! (So it must be good!)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

... oh dear. O dear, oh dear, oh dear. Dearie me. This will never do...



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(... not a fan of la Hewitt. O dear no, not at all.... )


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Bach with expressive dynamics. How utterly dreadful.

[vinteuil]

Bach with expressive dynamics. How utterly dreadful.

... o, I'm all for Bach with expressive dynamics. I revel in the various Gould, Sv: Richter, Fr: Gulda, Schiff, Tureck, and other Sokolovs on the shelves here. It is the robotic phrasing of Hewitt that repels - I used to think of Anita Brookner, but more and more she reminds me of Theresa May...


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[ardcarp]

It is the robotic phrasing of Hewitt that repels

Quoi????

Theresa May...

???????????

[pastoralguy]

Quoi????

Robotic?! No, not really.