October 3rd, 2007
Glenn Gould: Contrapunctus 1 from The Art of Fugue
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
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:19 pm
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.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
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
October 4th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Heh. Always interesting, however perverse.
Perverse or not…its like a dream.
Thanks Roger…this is a wonderful present..