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Topic: J S B and tempo.  (Read 1560 times)

Offline FGP

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J S B and tempo.
on: March 14, 2004, 04:50:39 PM
Could somebody suggest to me a  tempo for Prelude V,  (D Major) of JSB's 48 Preludes & Fugues - which would be acceptable for a grade 8 examination in UK?
Thanks.
FGP

Offline bernhard

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Re: J S B and tempo.
Reply #1 on: March 14, 2004, 06:55:31 PM
Crochet = 120 - 132

You may get away with a slower tempo (I would suggest 112 as being the limit), if you have good reason to play it so slowly other than lack of technique, and if you can show such reason through your playing.

Typically examiners are not particularly looking for light- speed tempos, but musical renditions.

Listen to Rosalyn Tureck's performance (DG) for an example of a slow and yet amazing rendition of this prelude. For an ultra fast version try Glenn Gould's (Sony) or Edwin Fischer's (Naxos).

Best wishes,
Bernhard.
The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side. (Hunter Thompson)

Offline FGP

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Re: J S B and tempo.
Reply #2 on: March 18, 2004, 07:24:52 PM
Thanks Berhard. That's fine.
FGP
FGP
 

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