A late and thrilling performance by the master wizard pianist Glenn Gould. For those who don’t know this work, it was Bach’s last work and was a collection of Fugues based roughly on one theme, or “subject.” The instrumentation was never specified but is traditionally played by keyboards, and is sometimes arranged for chamber ensembles.
via videosift.com
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Heh. Always interesting, however perverse.
Two string quartets have done Kunst der Fuge recordings fairly recently. Although it’s a bit dry, I prefer the Keller Quartet’s traversal to the Emerson’s.
And the Gould reminds me that I should see if Angela Hewitt has done the set yet.
Hey Roger,
This is Ed, the SAO downstairs at UCLA.
The Canadian Brass did a recording of the Kunst as well. Glenn gould also did a few recordings of some of the Contrapuncti on the organ, although they’re pretty un-organlike, like he’s playing the piano but on an organ. At least the organ drowns out his humming, hahaha.
I’ve been tempted to silkscreen a hoodie with the main theme , ever since i saw a messenger bag with the opening bars of the 1st mvt of beethoven’s 5th. but i’d feel dorky lol. i dunno.
anyways. interesting blog. I’ve been reading for a while, but you mentioning Glenn Gould got me to comment haha. yes.
-Ed
Heh. Always interesting, however perverse.
Perverse or not…its like a dream.
Thanks Roger…this is a wonderful present..
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