How do y’all “study” recordings?

[abr314]

Say you’ve decided to do a deep dive on the interpretations of a single performer. What procedure do you use to learn a significant amount about her interpretive choices? Is it simply repeated listening, or do you approach it more like a “judge” and actively make markings in a score while listening?

[visitor]

you need to listen to a bunch of of recordings by different artists of the said piece to get an idea of what is traditional and customary or consensus on basic interpretation then you compare said artist against that standard

[afarmboysforte]

I agree with visitor. I can judge a piece without knowing it well, but I enjoy the process much more when I am familiar with what it sounds like, and know the "standard" for everything. From there, when I deeply analyze a particular artist's interpretation, I sit with a score in front of me (usually digital) and make marks just like an adjudicator might. Then I ask myself questions much like the "rubrics" that judges sometime use. Technical stability, rhythm, intonation if applicable, and respect for the composer's intention are all the easiest factors. Then I ask myself, how much of what the performer is wanting to do coming through to the audience? Even with interpretations I don't like, a great artist is able to convey what they want. Oftentimes, I feel like I only succeed at 30-50 % of the musical and technical messages I wish to communicate at best, which is why I'm not a good artist. Take Richter for example. Not everyone's favorite, but in some of his recordings, I can see that he is nearly 100% successful at doing what he would like with the piece (not always.. richter is sometimes hit and miss, but I was just using him as an example.) And finally, how does it compare to what the composer wanted, and what do I think about it?

Hopefully my cluttered thoughts make sense 

[abr314]

That made a lot of sense and was quite helpful. Thank you!

[Bob]

I've found it interesting to use Audacity software to "play" with a recording a bit.  Slow it down.  Split it up, phrase by phrase.  Especially for comparing two performers, it seemed to help.

It probably takes less brain power/attention in doing that.  With multiple listenings there's more to absorb.