Given the limited recording technology of the day the listener can still here the marvelous tone quality Firskin had at his command..ala the Matthay influence..(he studied with Matthay for a while) The old fashioned trills were done to perfection and yes I agree the approach seems a bit pedantic, but hey. to my ear, the beauty far outweighs that minor distraction.
Interesting dynamics of the Allemande part: at the end he makes dimino endo, while I exactly learned (and would feel) to make crescendo instead.
Besides, it's surprising to realize that THIS is its original tempo. I practised it much quicker, and the other versions on YouTube are also much quicker, so when I opened this version, I thought "What the hell do the fingers of this guy idle?" But the truth is that I and the other performers rush, cause this is its official tempo indeed (andante). xD
This is lovely. I have his edition of some Scarlatti sonatas, and several of my friends studied with Friskin at Juilliard. If I correctly recall what they told me (50 years ago), he wasn't crazy about Gould.
I haven't played this Suite in over 50 years. This recording makes me want to drag it out and re-study it.
This is excellent and I think some of the best Bach playing I've heard on YouTube! Friskin just plays the music as is in a "no nonsense" style and doesn't infuse it with annoying mannerisms that many do today. I would love to hear his Goldbergs. Did he record them?
Given the limited recording technology of the day the listener can still here the marvelous tone quality Firskin had at his command..ala the Matthay influence..(he studied with Matthay for a while) The old fashioned trills were done to perfection and yes I agree the approach seems a bit pedantic, but hey. to my ear, the beauty far outweighs that minor distraction.
Stevevinn 8 months ago
Interesting dynamics of the Allemande part: at the end he makes dimino endo, while I exactly learned (and would feel) to make crescendo instead.
Besides, it's surprising to realize that THIS is its original tempo. I practised it much quicker, and the other versions on YouTube are also much quicker, so when I opened this version, I thought "What the hell do the fingers of this guy idle?" But the truth is that I and the other performers rush, cause this is its official tempo indeed (andante). xD
Bresalio 9 months ago
This is lovely. I have his edition of some Scarlatti sonatas, and several of my friends studied with Friskin at Juilliard. If I correctly recall what they told me (50 years ago), he wasn't crazy about Gould.
I haven't played this Suite in over 50 years. This recording makes me want to drag it out and re-study it.
Thanks much for the post.
snaaptaker 1 year ago
@snaaptaker
It is always nice to hear from someone who appreciates this splendid pianist and teacher. Thank you for your comment.
Beckmesser2 1 year ago
I LOVE HIS PLAYING
pastafantastica 2 years ago
SWounds like an obedient student. How did he manage to become an "expert"?
wltsai23 2 years ago
Lovely playing!
piano6861 3 years ago
Mavellous musician and pianist, very touching performance.
GiovanniEMB 3 years ago 2
yay...
recycledcarton 3 years ago
Impressive piece!! Friskin did a wondeful job interpreting this piece. Thank you!
imusiciki 3 years ago 2
Incredible playing. I would love this much more if the higher tones weren't so much louder than the lower.
RabidCh 3 years ago
Great playing,it sounds so "easy" (natural) and fresh.Very nice sound,beutiful phrases,very good control.
go9zu 3 years ago
Perfect for detoxifying our ears from modern exaggerated interpretation(s).
bourbakis 3 years ago
This is excellent and I think some of the best Bach playing I've heard on YouTube! Friskin just plays the music as is in a "no nonsense" style and doesn't infuse it with annoying mannerisms that many do today. I would love to hear his Goldbergs. Did he record them?
BachScholar 3 years ago
Yes. I have placed his performance of the aria and first three variations on YouTube.
Beckmesser2 3 years ago
Wow, such beautiful Bach!!!
artvirtue 3 years ago