Bach to the future
May 12, 2015 7:57 AM Subscribe
Could you share with me recordings of Bach's works played on instruments from different time periods?
Lately I've been studying several hours a day, everyday. As satisfying as it is, sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed and need to take breaks to get my brain back in working order, but because reasons I can't afford to take very long breaks (or don't want to).
Listening to baroque music, Bach in particular, helps me a lot, but I'm getting a bit "bored" of hearing it played in the same instruments as it's always been played. Actually "bored" is a very strong word to use here, I just want some more variety to refresh my brain. I've found a few videos of Bach's work played on unusual instruments, both older and modern, like on the nyckelharpa or as crazy and playful as the boomwhackers, and quite enjoyed them.
Can you show me more recordings like that, of Bach being played on instruments other than violin, cello, organ, piano and harpsichord (unless it's an exceptionally good performance that you think I shouldn't miss)?
I'm really not interested in guitar versions right now either (classical or electric), since I've already heard lots of those (again, unless it's really really good).
I prefer to watch music being played, but audio only is fine too.
Thanks!
Lately I've been studying several hours a day, everyday. As satisfying as it is, sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed and need to take breaks to get my brain back in working order, but because reasons I can't afford to take very long breaks (or don't want to).
Listening to baroque music, Bach in particular, helps me a lot, but I'm getting a bit "bored" of hearing it played in the same instruments as it's always been played. Actually "bored" is a very strong word to use here, I just want some more variety to refresh my brain. I've found a few videos of Bach's work played on unusual instruments, both older and modern, like on the nyckelharpa or as crazy and playful as the boomwhackers, and quite enjoyed them.
Can you show me more recordings like that, of Bach being played on instruments other than violin, cello, organ, piano and harpsichord (unless it's an exceptionally good performance that you think I shouldn't miss)?
I'm really not interested in guitar versions right now either (classical or electric), since I've already heard lots of those (again, unless it's really really good).
I prefer to watch music being played, but audio only is fine too.
Thanks!
Bach to Moog is a new album of recordings of Bach works played by synthesizer and orchestra that just came out this month. This mini-doc about its making was a neat watch.
posted by ludwig_van at 9:14 AM on May 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by ludwig_van at 9:14 AM on May 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
Speak N Spell. Giant foot piano. Ocarina. Accordion. Hurdy gurdy.
posted by poodelina at 9:34 AM on May 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by poodelina at 9:34 AM on May 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
Google "Lambarena Bach to Africa"
posted by Kwadeng at 9:44 AM on May 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Kwadeng at 9:44 AM on May 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
In case you haven't come across it, Bachbusters ("Music of Johann Sebastian Bach as realized by Don Dorsey on digital and other authentic period synthesizers"), is great. The third movement of the Italian Concerto is especially delightful.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 11:21 AM on May 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 11:21 AM on May 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm really not interested in guitar versions right now either (classical or electric), since I've already heard lots of those (again, unless it's really really good).
I'm going to take you at your word regarding your exception, because Li Jie playing the Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 on guitar is really really good.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 9:40 PM on May 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'm going to take you at your word regarding your exception, because Li Jie playing the Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 on guitar is really really good.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 9:40 PM on May 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Some awesome answers so far. If you know more I'm open!
I must be living under a rock, because I had never heard of Bachbusters, but better late than never!
Thank you all!
posted by Promethea at 4:47 AM on May 13, 2015
I must be living under a rock, because I had never heard of Bachbusters, but better late than never!
Thank you all!
posted by Promethea at 4:47 AM on May 13, 2015
Marimba! At first I listened to Gwendolyn Burgett Thrasher's arrangement of the cello suites as a joke, but the more I listened, the more I loved it.
posted by Jasper Fnorde at 12:53 PM on May 14, 2015
posted by Jasper Fnorde at 12:53 PM on May 14, 2015
Pius Cheung did the Goldberg Variations on marimba.
posted by jackbishop at 4:13 PM on May 16, 2015
posted by jackbishop at 4:13 PM on May 16, 2015
Response by poster: I can't watch some of the videos, it says they're not available after showing me the thumbnail. I guess it's because of them being licensed for the US only. Does anyone know of how to get around that on android?
posted by Promethea at 4:32 AM on May 20, 2015
posted by Promethea at 4:32 AM on May 20, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by misteraitch at 8:09 AM on May 12, 2015 [1 favorite]