Piano Forum



Rhapsody in Blue – A Piece of American History at 100!
The centennial celebration of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue has taken place with a bang and noise around the world. The renowned work of American classical music has become synonymous with the jazz age in America over the past century. Piano Street provides a quick overview of the acclaimed composition, including recommended performances and additional resources for reading and listening from global media outlets and radio. Read more >>

Topic: Useless Editorial Notes  (Read 1629 times)

Offline j_menz

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 10148
Useless Editorial Notes
on: January 31, 2013, 04:51:54 AM
I was looking at the Busoni transcription of Bach's (organ) E Major Prelude and Fugue "St Anne".

Great piece, great transcripition. Not easy.

At the foot of the first page there is a "helpful" editorial note. Not sure if it's Busoni's or some poncy editor, but it reads:

In order for the piano to properly simulate the effect of an organ, it is important that all notes of a chord be struck together and not rolled regardless of how widely spaced the chord.

Now, if one could actually follow the instruction (ie, can comfortably reach a twelfth), you wouldn't need to be told - it's obvious. But for we mere mortals, what possible use is it?  A coded "Don't play this you mutant, it's gonna suck bad if you do"?

What ridiculous notes have you come accross?
"What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left" -- Oscar Levant

Offline ranniks

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 802
Re: Useless Editorial Notes
Reply #1 on: February 01, 2013, 08:56:21 PM
The overuse of staccatto in the minuet in g major and in march in d major. Please don't tell me Bach is all about staccatto >.<.

And I can understand your frustrations J_menz. Not all of us are Rachmaninoff with them impossibru hands.
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert