Blowin’ Smoke On Bach

Just been glancing over the January issue of Strings magazine and happened on the following pronouncement that has me steaming like a teakettle on high heat.

In an article entitled, ‘Towering Titans’, a mister Laurence Vittes says, of the greats artists of 50 years ago, ‘Even the greatest violinists played the works as if they were exercises. And in truth, that is what they had become, as much for the superstars as for the students.’

He must be joking.

Szigetti, Milstein, Grumieaux, Elman, and Kreisler played Bach ‘like an exercise?’ It’s an outrage!

It is true that many an ACADEMIC of the mid-20th century played in that manner – like a student – it’s equally true today. The fact that many of us own ‘baroque’ bows doesn’t make us any better violinists than our forbearers; nor artists, for that matter.

And to pretend that today we ‘know’ how Bach himself would have played his music is ridiculous.

OK, I’m taking a deep belly breath, letting it out; yes, I’m feeling calmer now.

Forgive me if I got you all riled up as well. It is, after all, the Holiday Season and I should be more sensitive to the prevailing spirit of things. I’ll now get on with what I really meant to say.

The fact is, it’s a great time of year to play Bach. The nights are long; reflection and deep sentiments are the order of the day; and many of us finally have a little breathing room after the rush up to the ‘Mother of All Holidays.’

Actually we kept things very simple at our house this year; just a couple of presents for Clara, some beautiful, purifying music for our souls, and some fun handcrafts in the afternoon to share time together. That was it.

Now, getting back to Bach. Many of you should have Bach and Kreisler for Violin Artistry in your hands. This is a wonderful time to begin; just take your time, and enjoy. I wish you great success with it.

If, on the other hand, you haven’t ordered your copy yet, there’re enough days remaining in ol’ ’06 that you could order today and be playing your way into ’07 in style.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. And if you haven’t been through Kreutzer for Violin Mastery, Vol.1, and aren’t well into Vol. 2, I think they could be your real target for the New Year.