Emil Gilels plays Bach French Suite No. 5 in G, BWV 816 (1/2)

[sukkot54]

wow. how slowly he plays it. compare it to walter giseking. both are great. there is no one way

[KABRIS1]

@Sinfoniette The question is: is a more sensitive interpretation better for this piece? I like to hear Bach's music played in time and with more masculine energy, as opposed to this "sensitive" version that is played with more feminine energy. I like the way that Giels plays the faster section, but not the rubato that he uses in the first 5 minutes. Gould's version is MUCH more lively! If we were discussing an interpretaion of Chopin's music, I would suggest the opposite approach, "rubato".

[Sinfoniette]

@KABRIS1 I respect your opinion, I just didn't like how you just said it was dull compared to Gould with not much reason. That's all to it.

[KABRIS1]

@Sinfoniette Whether you prefer this interpretation, or not, it is obvious that it is a slower, more somber, melancholic version. And that is not a critcism, but a comparative analysis that I felt compelled to make after becoming accustomed to hearing Gould's livlier version.One only needs a pair of ears and a discriminating brain to hear the "reason" in commenting on the marked difference between the two interpretations.

[brono25]

@KABRIS1 I like having many different interpretations to enjoy.

[KABRIS1]

@brono25 That is your right. I do as well but some I like better than others, because of musical considerations that the music itself implies.

[daniiiiiii68]

good cover keep on rocking

[buffuzo]

@ Ravel...I have a cat, his name is Molotov, he is a communist. He enjoys donuts; we go to Tim Horton's and share one occasionally. In spite ot his political leanings I enjoy his company, and he seems to appreciate Bach. He does not like Beethoven however, and will leave the room when I play some on the piano. But he will sit next to me when I play Bach. I will have little use for him when after he dies, so I can send him to you then.

[kevinrapper10]

too slow but great holdings

[wclmyy]

Maybe it is the interpretation differences between then and now. Now it seems people prefer a lively articulation to mimic the harpsichord sound, and a faster speed. The suggesting speed of allemande on today's book is 88 for quarter notes, which is nearly twice as this speed.

[KABRIS1]

After hearing Gould's version, this sounds dull and lifeless.

[pianofolle]

@KABRIS1 To you, maybe. To me and others it sounds very intimate and expressive.

[KABRIS1]

@pianofolle I also think it sounds intimate and expressive. I believe that this interpretation sounds sad and pensive compared to the life and energy that Gould puts into this piece. There are many different forms of expression. Giels plays it rubato, like a Chopin interpretation. To me, Gould's time feel exposes the magic of Bach's counterpoint and the independence of the melodic lines more than this version. All comments are opinions, including yours and "others".

[Sinfoniette]

@KABRIS1 I've heard many people say that. I very much respect his work on Bach but I can't really understand people who would find Gilels' Bach dull after Gould. Gilels playing is much more sensitive than Gould's here, I think...

[buzzflydunbother]

Wow. He actually plays it how it was written. Unlike Gould. With Gould's speed in the Allemande, imagine the Courante!!

[kingsfort1]

He is the double of Jimmy Carr!!! Playing of the highest order too!

[Dragondude2218]

Thanks for helping me on my piano exam!

[Ravel87]

Strange. I prefer this over Gould's. :O

[MuscleDaddyCMH]

@Ravel87 Thank god. I would prefer a dead cat over Gould's ghastly destruction of Bach

[metteholm75]

@Ravel87 Here´s one more!;)

[ixcuincle]

A bit slower than the Gould version I am used to, but a nice interpretation nonetheless

[juliusrain]

This is weird.

But I like it.

[takhirviolinest]

Bravé!!!

[BPanther]

Thank you for Sharing !

[philippelouis69]

Absolument superbe !

Des phrasés magiques, comme suspendus à l'éternité !

J'adore!!!!

[lecochonbleu]

Wonderful. I love Emil Gilels. Beautiful playing. So simple and natural, with lovely balance and sympathy.

Thanks a lot, Sinfoniette.

[kh495]

This is beautiful... thank you for uploading! :)