Music Chat: Demented Bach Transcriptions (Part 1)

This is why I like "reading" reviews. Thanks for making my day better. What do you think about eh Thal & Groethuysen Reger Goldberg Variations? I love it!

I remember a newspaper article by Douglas "Hitch-Hikers' Guide to the Galaxy" Adams, where he was listening to Bach in MIDI format on his laptop as he wrote, musing that Bach sounded great no matter what it was being played on. Which is broadly true, but perhaps there are limits ;)

The most ridiculous thing I heard was Japanese guitarist Kazuhito Yamashita's transcription of the whole of Dvorak's New World symphony coupled with Stravinsky's Firebird suite. Amazing technique but WHY!!!!

Another great one, funny, smart and entertaining, thank you. Of all the transcriptions, I still like Jacques Loussier, and there's a really good Robin Holloway "Gilded Goldbergs" and also enjoyable The Art of Fugue with the Fretwork Viol Consort. Certainly far from boring. But maybe they're not really in the category of transcriptions, more Bach-inspired compositions, part of what you alluded to with Bach's flexible style?

Bach transcribes so well for concert band. The first that comes to mind is the remarkable Fennel/Cleveland on Telarc playing the old Richard Franko Goldman arrangement of the Fantasia in G Major. I'd rather hear this over the original organ version.

This is just so funny. I enjoy Bach in general, and the Goldberg Variations. I also like the accordion, polkas, Musette, and Cabaret / Kabarett music. The Goldbergs on accordion.... Oh, why not!?

David

I am so glad that you've started making these videos because they are nearly as entertaining as some of your writing. I just had to download the Patkovic performance and found that it was even more perverse than I had imagined. The Patkovic performance of the Goldbergs includes interludes by the Finnish composer Jukka Tiensuu. So you alternate from Bach's Baroque counterpoint to 21st century music and fits in with the Goldbergs about as well as Pluto and the assorted space debris added onto Holst's Planets in Simon Rattle's recording.

Eight alternate takes!!!

Your musical erudition and research is to be highly praised, Mr. Hurwitz, but I'm afraid that the roars of laughter will put to test my diaphragm, lungs and cheekbone.

My favorite demented Bach transcriptions remain Don Dorsey’s Bachbusters (Telarc), especially 3rd movement of the Italian Concerto. Charles Berthoud humorously covers some Bach themes briefly as well.

You shouldn't be aghast at so many simultaneous accordian issues of the Goldbergs: they've made it so easy for you to set a reference recording!

David, I agree there are whacky Back transcriptions out there, sure. But Stokowski's transcription for orchestra of the Toccata and Fugue in D minor is astounding. I heard a live performance in London (proms) and it was breathtaking.

As a Finnish person I can assure you that our favourite spare time in the winter absolutely involves transcribing the Goldberg Variations for accordion, saw, kantele etc.

JUST WONDERFUL!!!!