Transcriptions-legitimate or 8th deadly sin?

[spotty]

So who thinks this is a terrible thing.
What prompted this for me is a youtube clip where someone was playing a Bach prelude on synthesizer instead of organ (using pedals and everything) and some commenter called it a 'travesty' saying 'Bach organ music should only be played on the organ'.
On the other hand, even the more snobby types accept playing Scarlatti or Bach on piano.
So what gives?
Heck, Bach did transcriptions of Vivaldi, Mozart did some stuff too I believe.

Is there inherently something wrong with taking a piece by Mozart and playing it with a brass band ensemble - as long as its done tastefully?

What about playing Scarlatti on Hammond organ or even digital synthesizer?

Lets hear from the 'snobs' on why this is 'wrong'

[Corno Dolce]

As one who can't be characterised as a snob - of course, some may take exception to that, I find transcripions a valid form of communicating and expressing music that would not be heard from the organ otherwise. However, there are excellent transcriptions and then there are downright ghastly transcriptions. Imho, It depends very much on how skilled the transcriber/interpreter is.

For example, does he/she understand that melody is king in an orchestra and that, mind you, must cause one to utterly change their way of playing the organ for a piece that has been transcribed for organ? Can the interpreter on the organ bring out all the different timbres found in an orchestral score?

FWIW, I like to play Mozart Piano Sonatas on the organ and Bach's keyboard works on the organ, even Shostakovich's Preludes and Fugues have gotten new life on the organ.

I hope this helps you spotty---

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

[Krummhorn]

Hi spotty,

As another "non-snob" I heartily agree with Corno Dolce above. Not only the talent of the transcriber, but also the playing ability of the one reading the notes come into play as well. Often times the transcriber does not offer organ registrations, and we are left on our own to decide what sounds the best. Some organists (myself included) have very limited resources in our church instruments and have to 'make do' with what we have to work with.

I have a recording of the late Vladimir Horowitz playing a Bach Fantasia on the piano that was originally written for the organ, and it was a very refreshing sound.

Scarlatti on a Hammond ... hmmm ... not for me, as I absolutely abhor the sound of a Hammond in general ... the sound is too "sterile" and makes my spine crawl ... but that is my own personal feeling and in no way criticizing those who play those instruments. I've heard the Bach T&F in D Minor on a Hammond with full vibratos AND a fully rotating Leslie ... Ouch!!

[methodistgirl]

I agree with them. I have my ideas on that. Everybody has their own set
of rules and sometimes they go by it religiously. I will play
Bach on any instrument that I can play. That goes for all
of the other famous composers.
judy tooley

[spotty]

I've heard the Bach T&F in D Minor on a Hammond with full vibratos AND a fully rotating Leslie ... Ouch!!

K I like Hammonds a lot, but in this case I agree - ewwwwwwww!

[rojo]

I think, play anything you like on whatever you like. If some peeps don't like it (myself included,) all they have to do is turn it off.

Personally I don't put much stock into what gets said by commentators at YT. Too much trash talk for my taste.

[jhnbrbr]

To re-phrase the question slightly - have you ever preferred a transcription to the original? What about this ...

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xtq...-grimaud_music

[Corno Dolce]

Aloha jhnbrbr,

A mighty good slight re-phrasing of the question. For me personally, I take no umbrage or offence if there is a transcription of the original. In re to the Chaconne, it gives the Chaconne another *face*. At this pont in life I am quite un-dogmatic in re to transcriptions. The main rule of thumb imho is that is has to be historically informed and tastefully done. Hey, if one can adapt *Uber-pianist* techniques to the organ in performing the works of various composers then go for it, baby!

Cheerio,

CD

[Mat]

I've heard the Bach T&F in D Minor on a Hammond with full vibratos AND a fully rotating Leslie ... Ouch!!

And you didn't like it? Who was playing??

[C5Says]

organ and piano are both keyboards. what would the snobs think if the piece was played on a classical guitar?

[Corno Dolce]

Why not? How about on a carillon? Or performed by a brasswind ensemble?

[jhnbrbr]

Absolutely! I love arrangements for two pianos, or for one of those accordians with double keyboards. Even classical music on electric guitar(s) can be interesting. However, I would definitely draw the line at Scottish bagpipes!

Regarding Bach's chaconne, I do prefer Busoni's arrangement to the original. Some pieces just seem to cry out for transcription. Can a solitary violin really do justice to such a vast wealth of musical ideas? Similarly with the orignal "Pictures at an exhibition" - by the end it can feel like the piano has given all it has to give, and more resources are needed.

[Corno Dolce]

Aloha jhnbrbr,

Then you have to listen to this:

http://www.virtualperformances.com/pictures/

Cheerio,

CD

[jhnbrbr]

Thanks for that, CD, it was quite magnificent (and just about clinches the argument in favour, I would say).

[Corno Dolce]

Aloha jhnbrbr,

Jean Guillou, the enigmatic organist/composer/ organ theoretician had recorded his own transcription of that piece many years ago on the, his design , Kleuker/Steinmeyer organ at the Tonhalle in Zurich. It was a revelation then. I must say that the flamboyant Cameron Carpenter goes even further than Guillou in re to registrations, tempi, and performance nuances.

Cheerio,

CD