[Youtube] Classy, Highbrow Music Recommendations

[cosmicpanda]

I'll start with two different performances of the same piece.

 

J. S. Bach: BWV 540, Toccata and Fugue in F Major

 

Played by Ton Koopman.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9geCEvIV9Y&fmt=6

 

Played by Ulrich Bohme.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQi3d4dYvO8&feature=related

 

A toccata is a piece designed to show how good the performer is. These are both good performances of this toccata.

 

It is basically divided into two sections. First, it starts with a long pedal point (long held note) in the bass on F over which a canon is constructed. (Canon: you know Pachelbel's Canon? Each violin plays the same thing, but not at the same time. Similar thing here, only instead of a three part canon for three violins, it's a two part canon for two hands.) Then there's a pedal solo. The idea with the canon and pedal point is then repeated on C, but the canon is inverted. Before, the soprano played first, but this time around, the bass plays first.

 

The second part of the Toccata, from 3 minutes onwards, is more catchy and is quite like a waltz in parts, although it's not something you'd probably want to dance to.

 

Koopman's performance is just an audio file with a picture of the organ. Bohme's performance is an actual video. It's impressive to watch his feet move as he plays the pedal part.

 

I'd be interested to see what you think  :D

[Majsju]

Both are good performances, though I prefer Bohme, he has a more full sound that pleases my ears.

[cosmicpanda]

It's interesting that you think Bohme's performance has a fuller sound. I think the opposite - try comparing the reverberation at the end of their pieces.

 

I've compared the stoplists of the two organs and it's clear that the one Koopman performs on is bigger. From the sounds of it, he's making use of the big 32' open pipes. He's also playing an authentic Baroque organ; however, it must be said that Bohme is playing in the church that Bach worked at in his lifetime on an organ designed to play his music.

 

Perhaps you are reacting to Bohme's more fluty sounding registration? His performance certainly has greater clarity - it is easier to hear the individual parts.

 

Also, shame on everyone else for not replying!  :D

[ironcross]

one of the best rock songs ever written

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsfVw9xxoNY

[Majsju]

Cosmic, yes, I was refering to the playing style, rather than the instrument. The instrument gives Koopman more space, if you get my difference here.

 

That said, time to enjoy some great Irish music, possibly the most emotionally powerful version by Fields of Athenry ever recorded.

[Barmacral]

I can't wait til Corki sees this thread.

[Majsju]

Special treat just because we are getting close to christmas...

[Cillian]

That said, time to enjoy some great Irish music, possibly the most emotionally powerful version by Fields of Athenry ever recorded.

 

I wonder have you heard of Christy Moore? If not you might like him, he's a legend over here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHcDWOAIj2o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhegU13Mw0Y

[Majsju]

Of course I have heard of Christy Moore. Not my favourite, but I do occasionally give him a listen.

 

I am more of a Gary Og person ;D