Open Forum 2012 - "Touching the Past"- One Sonata, Two Era's of Musical Instruments

TL;DR

The Academy of Music in Basel presents a unique concert where two musicians demonstrate the differences in technical, stylistic, and artistic approaches between old and modern instruments while playing Beethoven's Sonata.

Transcript

[Applause] good evening ladies and gentlemen I'd like to welcome you most warmly to this concert I'm Stefan Schmidt I'm the director of uh the um Academy for music in Basel perhaps I could ask you to come forward you'll be able to hear the music better I mean I've got a microphone but uh if you're right at the uh in the back row there you won't hea... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 The Academy of Music in Basel showcases the differences between old and modern instruments through a comparative performance of Beethoven's Sonata.
• 🥶 Old instruments require different playing techniques and produce a distinct sound compared to modern instruments.
• 🥠 Tuning variations and historical context greatly influence the interpretation and performance of classical music.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do the pianist and cellist adjust their playing technique when switching between the old and modern instruments?

The pianist mentions that the weight and size of the keys are different between the old and modern pianos. He also mentions that the modern piano requires more pressure to play, while the old piano allows for quicker reactions. The cellist points out that the older cell has a different reaction and allows for more delicate playing compared to the modern cell.

Q: How does the audience's perception of the music change when listening to old instruments?

The musicians explain that listening to music on old instruments creates a different atmosphere and requires the audience to listen more attentively. The audience can experience the nuances and subtleties that may not be as noticeable on modern instruments.

Q: What impact does the difference in tuning have on the performance?

The musicians mention that the tuning of the instruments has changed over time. The pianist demonstrates the difference in tuning between the old and modern piano, explaining that the A in Beethoven's time was different from the A in modern times. This difference in tuning affects the way the instruments are played and the overall sound produced.

Q: How does playing on old instruments help us understand the intentions of composers like Beethoven?

The musicians highlight the importance of historical context in understanding and interpreting music. Playing on old instruments allows musicians to explore how the music would have sounded during the time it was composed. It offers insights into the technique, dynamics, and musical style of the period.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Academy of Music in Basel puts on a special concert demonstrating the differences between old and modern instruments.

• The musicians perform Beethoven's Sonata on both old and modern instruments, highlighting the changes in sound and technique over time.

• The concert aims to provide a new experience for the audience and encourage them to question and explore the differences in musical interpretation.