Bach, J. S.; BWV 1001 Fugue - D09

[DavidJ]

This is one of my favorites and you play it beautifully. Thanks for sharing the music.

David

[Tarbaby]

Another admirer from Portland!

So sorry I missed this when you first posted it, dear Owl. Your playing is nothing short of miraculous!

I love your use of staccato on the theme, not only because it lends a sense of urgency, but also allows you to bring out the theme in the places where it is hidden. To me, that's the most important thing in fugues.

Just perfectly played in every respect!

It's interesting that when I play these pieces I think, 'Oh, I like this one best'... then I play the next movement and I think the same thing about that piece of music
There seems to be something marvellous in each one... something that makes it feel special

This made me smile out loud. When I was at Conservatory in my early 20s, we were all learning and sharing all the great masterpieces. I remember having that very discussion in my living room as we listened to the Brandenburg Concertos. We all felt exactly the same way about the strange fact that, whichever concerto we were listening to at the time, THAT was our favorite!

Thank you for working this one up for us. It's been in my head all day. It's my favorite!

Alan

[Denian Arcoleo]

Hi Owl,

I was on holiday when you posted this so I missed it...until now. This piece has been a true favourite of mine ever since I first heard it. My old teacher Carlo Ambrosio used to play it often when I was a teenager-his style was very romantic.

Your interpretation is right up there with the very best I've ever heard, a truly remarkable performance. I like the slightly staccato articulation, it gives the piece a kind of extra drama.I'll be listening quite a lot more to this.

Brilliant



Best wishes

Denian

[SAB]

Hi Owl,

That was clean, precise, musical

and totally awe inspiring !!!


A truly masterful performance

[owl]

Thank you all so much for your generous comments... it was my pleasure

Joy in the music

Owl

[cn90]

Hello Owl,

Wonderful recording!

Couple of questions:

1. Which edition are you using?

I have about 5 different transcriptions and I must say that I love the edition by Jacopo Gianninoto. The Fugue is on page 12:
http://icking-music-archive.org/scores/ ... Guitar.pdf

2. The bass notes circled in red:

BWV1-Fugue.jpg

The violinists play as 16th note because of the inherent nature of the violin that does not allow the bass notes to ring once the violin bow goes into treble notes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET100brwyYA
(The Fugue started at 4:10 marking)

Simon Dinnigan, guitarist, let the bass notes ring:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z2ptiznGMY

I let the bass notes ring longer as I think it sounds better this way. Bach wrote the scores for bass notes with the violin in mind therefore the 16th notes because of the violin's design.

I have not checked the BWV 1000 Lute version yet but when have time, I will do. This is the version Bream played on youtube (Lute).

Just curious what your thoughts are.

Again, congrats!

[owl]

Which edition are you using?

LOL That would be telling!
Actually it's Louis's arrangement, but we did look at several transcriptions... and listen to a few versions
I prefer this as I feel it adds a little more contrast and tension... I think it helps to really separate the voices and adds some excitement to the tempo
I generally look for something to add to a piece... in an interpretive sense I mean... without losing the intent of the music of course

Thanks for your comments... I’m happy that you enjoyed the piece

Joy in the music

Owl

[cyberninja]

[Løød]

A legendary performance - exquisite yet extremely energetic and powerful!

Laust

[owl]

Thank you... it was my pleasure

Joy in the music

Owl

[ricstang]

Another epic Owl recording! I love it!

Your technique is more articulate and your tone is even sweeter every time. You are unbelievable!

[pacfan]

I started playing this piece in my early twenties in the 80's and though I stopped playing it for a long time now, it used to be then my routine exercise-type piece for about 10 years. As a person who knows this piece inside out, I'd say your performance is first-rate with a character of it's own - crisp, dynamic, with much energy (who said ladies are weaker sex!). Congratulations, Owl, for your wonderful performance.

BTW, if you haven't heard it yet, try Narciso Yepes' performance of the Fugue (BWV 1000) on his ten-string guitar. Though a bit slow, his very artistic style, coupled with good use of low bass notes makes his performance absolutely stunning.

[owl]

Thanks Ric and pacfan... your comments are very pleasing

I have a few Yepes recordings pacfan... he's one of my favourite players

Thank you again for listening

Joy in the music

Owl

[Mirek]

I give up Owl, really.
How can I say that I play the guitar. It's pathetic indeed!
I'm smashing my guitar against the floor today!
Now feel guilty
Your admirer forever,

m

[kulan69]

What a lovely clean and clear recording , so beautiful and so artistical performance you made !!! U're a really a great guitar player for me !!!!