Friday, June 02, 2023

FRIDAY MUSIC: Four Maestros, by JD

Yes, four maestros for the price of none - Johann Sebastian Bach, Karl Richter and 'Vater und Sohn' David and Igor Oistrakh!
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One of the most recognisable tunes in the whole of the 'classical' music canon is Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue (BWV 565) I think most people will be familiar with it but without being able to put a name to it. Such is the power of Bach's music. 

It must be more than fifty years since I bought my copy of the Deutsche Grammophon recording by the organist Karl Richter. I cannot find the actual recording on YouTube, it may be hidden somewhere but I did find this version by Richter which has the added advantage of allowing us to see him playing with both hands and both feet and all from memory too; no sign of any sheet music!


Karl Richter - Toccata & Fugue In D Minor - BWV 565

After that rousing hurricane force music, something a little quieter and more refined with another from Herr Bach which I also bought more than 50 years ago:

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043
00:00 - I. Vivace
04:14 - II. Largo ma non tanto
11:45 - III. Allegro

David Fyodorovich Oistrakh (1908-1974), Violin I
Igor Davidovich Oistrakh (1931-2021), Violin II
George Malcolm (1917-1997), Harpsichord
Sir Eugene Aynsley Goossens (1893-1962), Conductor
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Recorded 19th February 1961, in Brent Town Hall, Wembley, London, Great Britain.


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Relax with your glass of Riesling and enjoy the music!

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