“The Recordings of Joachim, Sarasate and Ysaye: A Study of Violin Playing on Early Recordings in Light of Contemporary Reviews”
Dorottya Fabian, School of Music & Music Education. University of New South Wales
Friday March 24, 5.00–6.30 pm
UNSW, Webster Bldg, Room G18
Abstract:
The press reception of famous 19th-century violinists is an important resource for the historical study of performance. Comparing several reports across many years with surviving sound recordings provides some insight into what these recordings might have captured from the artistry of these players. Currently held received wisdom regarding the differences between these violinists gains a new perspective. For instance, Joachim is upheld as the "authoritative" interpreter of the classics, especially Bach. But it turns out that, at least for Bernard Shaw, "Ysaÿe's power of polyphonic playing enables him to challenge any comparison". Using software-assisted measurements this paper comments on intonation, tone quality, tempo choices, phrasing and musicianship and challenges some widely held views on performance traditions as well as violin playing. The reported findings include:
1) The excessive tempo of Ysaÿe's rendering of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto is probably correct because all contemporary reviews of his concert performances complain about it. Measured pitch fluctuation is less than in some later recordings (e.g. Szigeti, 1933) and is in line with A=440 Herz.
2) There is a greater similarity in their vibrato than generally assumed, the difference being dependent on choice of repertoire and approach to musical projection.
3) Contemporary judgment of tempo, tone quality, and musicianship is supported by the evidence of the audio analysis which may indicate a degree of stability in human perception and appreciation of music within a broadly based cultural setting across extended historical periods
4) The performance analysis as well as the contemporary opinion seems to challenge the view that the "fast objectivist" performance style is a "modernist"and characteristically twentieth century phenomenon.
For details of other upcoming AMPS seminars see:
http://marcs.uws.edu.au/links/amps/index.htm
Look forward to seeing you at Dorottya’s seminar on Friday March 24 at 5 pm
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