Jan Pieterzoon Sweelinck (1562-1621) Fantasia cromatica

[yuyiya]

I prefer it on the organ, at about this pace. However on the piano, one has to work a little harder to keep the themes clear and to fully express the ... jubilation (is perhaps the word I want here). This is a very joyous piece and one I've often played simply for pleasure. It's also quite a buzz to rattle it off in about 5:40!

[philidor2005]

I rather like the faster tempo, and play it slightly faster myself. It risks losing the improvisatory quality, true; but I feel that it brings out the rhythm of the piece and the exhilaration of the ending. Other than tradition, though, I am curious if there's enough historical basis to support the slower or faster tempi over the other, and what effect the choice of instrument and acoustic space has on this.

[flippert0]

it's interesting to compare that piece to Pachelbel's fugue in d minor (same descending chromatic theme).

[Bachlives2]

Needs to be in Meantone.

[b0ttomzone]

@Bachlives2 I don't know if meantone temperament can handle this much chromaticism... There's quite a few chords that would sound pretty nasty.

[Bachlives2]

@b0ttomzone This piece was most likely originally conceived for Haprischord and there are 3 instances where D# is specified in the Manuscript. The thing about a Harpsichord is that you can easily tube which was what was so great about it. If played in meantone on the organ one can slmost cover up the Disonance of the 3 D#s with trills. Not to mention. Mean Tone is all Sweelinck had. Sweelinck I am sure though would have played this on a Vriginal/Clavichord/or what ever may be easily tuned.

[kv310]

Pieterzoon FTW!!!

[capekurtz]

Tempo is slightly too fast but I prefer this piece on the organ than on the harpsichord.