Hindemith Sonatas, Glenn Gould and Philly Orchestra Players

[hbcrandy]

I just received my copy of the CD of Glenn Gould and the Philadelphia Orchestra Principals playing the Hindemith Brass Sonatas. I first heard this recording when I was the work-study record librarian at Philadelphia Musical Academy/ College of the Performing Arts. The tempi taken in the Sonata for Bass Tuba were NOTHING like I was ever taught or heard. Paul Krzywicki said that the interpretations of the pieces were Glenn Gould's and not those of the soloists. When I took some lessons with Mr. Torchinsky, late in life, I asked him about the recording of the sonata. He said that he left the recording session thinking people would hear the recording and think that he did not know how to play the piece. However, when he got his copy of the recording once it was released, he listened to it with a more open mind at realized that the interpretation was quite fresh and musical.

I did not own the LP record (remember those?) of this recording and have been looking for a CD of this set. It is available at http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/alb ... m_id=49395. The digital remastery of this recording is excellent. It is also one of the only recordings that I know of that captured Mr. Torchinsky as a soloist. I think he is superb.

[eupher61]

Oops.

[eupher61]

it's been a long time since I've heard that recording. I remember being bothered by Gould`s singing. I've been told he worked with Hindemith on the tuba sonata, so his would be close to the composer's intent.
Randy, what is the tempo of the end of the 1st movement? It has long bothered me that recordings are almost double the indicated tempo. I simply don't remember if that recording was what opened my ears to that.

[hbcrandy]

Randy, what is the tempo of the end of the 1st movement? It has long bothered me that recordings are almost double the indicated tempo. I simply don't remember if that recording was what opened my ears to that.

I am not in a position to, right now, put it in the CD player. I will tomorrow. As I remember, the tempo of the entire piece is much slower than I have heard it done.

[hbcrandy]

Very slow, yes...

But, very clear and distinct.

[hbcrandy]

Thanks for this. I had the LP of this years ago but remember being underwhelmed when I listened to it. I need to listen to it again.

I recommend that you invest in the CD. The sound clarity makes a big difference.