From Printed Page to Performance - Christopher Hogwood, Emma Kirkby and Jakob Lindberg | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Emma Kirkby and Jacob Lindberg discuss their approach to picking and performing music, including the importance of range, text, and the provenance of the music, as well as the challenges of constructing and performing programs.

Key Insights

• 🧡 Picking and performing music involves considerations of range, text, and provenance.
• 😚 The lute offers a unique sound and closer connection to the original intentions of the composer.
• 👷 Constructing programs for early and intimate music requires creativity and careful selection of shorter pieces.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How do Emma Kirkby and Jacob Lindberg approach picking and deciding on music to perform?

Emma looks for pieces within her range that she can effectively convey the words and sentiments of. She also considers factors like the edition and provenance of the music. Jacob considers things like range, tuning, and different instruments that fit different programs.

Q: What are some challenges faced when constructing programs for early and intimate music?

One challenge is that early and intimate music was not originally designed for concert use, so performers have to create their own format for presenting it. Another challenge is the mosaic-like construction of programs, as the pieces are often short and must be carefully selected and arranged.

Q: What are the advantages of playing the lute?

Playing the lute allows for a closer connection to the original intentions of the composer, as lutenists can use original tablatures. It also offers a variety of tunings and a different sound compared to other instruments.

Q: How do Emma Kirkby and Jacob Lindberg approach the process of ornamentation in their performances?

They both believe in learning through listening and imitation, observing what instrumentalists do and how the composers themselves have ornamented their music. They also emphasize the importance of engaging with the words and finding the natural flow and expression in the music.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Emma Kirkby explains that when picking music to perform, she looks for pieces that are within her range and that she can effectively convey the words and sentiments of. She also considers factors such as the edition and provenance of the music.

• Jacob Lindberg discusses the advantages of playing the lute, such as the use of original tablatures and the closer connection to the original intentions of the composer. He also addresses the challenges and dangers of using tablatures found on the internet.

• Emma Kirkby and Jacob Lindberg share insights on the process of constructing programs for early and intimate music, which often consist of shorter pieces. They discuss the importance of solos and the variety of sound in a program.

• They also discuss the challenges and considerations when performing with multiple instruments, such as the logistics of traveling with the instruments and the need for different instruments to fit different programs.