Hindemith Sonata - Abe Torchinsky/Glenn Gould

[Matt G]

Without saying anything negative about the brass playing on the Brass Sonata as recorded by Glenn Gould/Philly Players, I would say that the entire collection is all about the piano. The piano playing supercedes the brass playing on all of the sonatas. Glenn Gould was just that good.

The brass playing is good reference, but the piano part is great music. Heck, in all of the sonatas, the piano part is much harder than the instrumental solo.

[Uncle Buck]

I read an interview with Torchinsky a few years back about this recording. If memory serves, he said that he deferred to Gould in almost every respect, including tempos.

Every tuba student should listen to this recording, because Gould's interpretations are worth noting. Despite his genius, though, Gould was also extremely eccentric, so keep that in mind.

[Gorilla Tuba]

Not to be contrary, but I like the tempi on the Gould recordings. Of course, I lost a job a few years ago because I played the Hindemith similar with these tempos and the chair of the search committee told me that I was playing way too slow. I know I am in the minority, but some things are just worth taking your time. To me, Hindemith is one of those things.