Do you prefer to hear Bach's music (such as St. Mathew Passion) on modern instruments or on period instruments?

Question

Modern instruments versus historically informed interpretations...


Which do you prefer?

(I am thinking specifically about St. Matthew Passion but this question could apply to all Bach's work)

Answer 1

I used to prefer Bach played on modern instruments (although I never seemed to have had any problem with Bach on harpsichord), because performances with period instruments often seemed to sound anemic or too astringent or sometimes just pathetic, as if "authenticity" was being put first and "making music" a distant second. But this was the case early on during the historically-informed revival. In more recent years it seems that period-instrument groups have learned to play more "musically," and thus more often than not are able to do full justice to the music. So, lately I find that I can usually enjoy either type of performance. (But I haven't yet learned to appreciate boy sopranos--give me an adult female singer any day.)

Answer 2

First, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I'm not as familiar with various recordings of St. Matthew as I should be...so I'll have to answer on a more "general" scale.



I go back and forth on this issue. But I think that, in general, I prefer period instrument performances of baroque music. There's something that just feels good about the tone of baroque string instruments...I'm not a string player, so I can't get any more specific than that! :-)



But I'm not so dogmatic as to rule out the possibility of enjoying a modern-instrument performance, too. There are so many things that make it hard to decide. But, I guess, all other things being equal (which they never are...), I'd chose period instrument performances.



I thought this would be an easy question to answer, and now I've spent close to 10 minutes wrestling with myself. I like questions that force me to learn something new about myself. :-) Thanks!!

Answer 3

This doesn't precisely answer the question posed, but it reminded me of a comic I saw posted on a cello teacher's door when I was in grad-school. It had a picture of a doctor and patient in an operating room. The doctor says, "And for today's operation, we will use period instruments," showing a pile of barbaric tools arrayed in front of the patient. It always made me chuckle...



As it has been said before, the quality of the performance is far more important to me than the type of instruments being played.

Answer 4

I think the quality of the performance is more important than the period of manufacture of the instruments. Having said that, I tend to prefer keyboard pieces played on the piano rather than the harpsichord or clavichord. I think there is definitely a place for period instruments, but the decision whether to use them is purely an individual artistic decision and not "de rigeur."

Answer 5

I prefer the period instruments. Bach compositions sound more pure and harmonius (I apologize my lack of terminology, but I am not musician, just a music lover).



Just listen to Trevor Pinnock and The English Concert playing harpsichord and violin concertos by Bach.





Good luck!

Answer 6

modern instruments

Answer 7

period instruments