Stephanie Jones playing a Bach Fugue on an acoustic guitar

[Eddy Deegan]

Today I came across this superb rendition of a Bach Fugue, originally written for violin, played by Stephanie Jones on an acoustic guitar.

I've seen a lot of fancy shredding, powerful rock performances, stunning solos and so forth over the years but I don't think I've ever been as impressed with the artistry of a guitar performance as I was watching this.

Stephanie Jones isn't a name I'd seen before, but I'm sure some of you must have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EM6t3iHK1Y

Maybe it's the pianist in me but I thought the performance, dynamics and expression combined to produce a feel that hit the spot perfectly.

[ef37a]

New name to me as well Eddy.
Whilst there is no question of her talent I was not impressed that much by the recording quality? Even to my failed lugs it seemed 'over bright' and 'clangy'? Not much of the bottom end of the guitar?

Can someone identify the microphones please and explain the idea behind their positioning?

My son is working through some Bach transcriptions including BWV 1001 but he cannot take it at her speed!

Dave.

[Eddy Deegan]

I was so wrapped up in the performance that I didn't really pay any attention to the recording itself!

[ef37a]

I was so wrapped up in the performance that I didn't really pay any attention to the recording itself!

Well no, I didn't until I was a few bars in and then certain notes were very 'spikey'? Had something to do with my AKG K92s being rather forward and the YT being loud (the 92s are 113dB/V) . Played through my home hi fi, mission 775s not SO bad and the lower strings were stronger but then the 77s have seriously overblown bass in my room.

Next stop the Tannoy 5As.... Mics anyone?

Dave.

[Arpangel]

I'm not very receptive at the moment, but it left me cold, I’ll listen again later, when I’m less stressed out.
It was technically superb, but I found her dynamics and expression too exaggerated.
I may feel completely different later on.
If I was the producer I’d tell her chill-out.

[tea for two]

Today I came across this superb rendition of a Bach Fugue,

Bach was clearly influenced by music he could get access to listen to.

Bring Bach to current times when he can get access to listen to millions upon millions music from around the world from myriad styles

Would Bach compose the same way ?

I find the too many notes in various Bach as well as several other classical composers
Alongside no room for inner space no time for a moment of stillness
Somewhat missing in let's say a certain inward awareness in their compositions.

[Arpangel]

Today I came across this superb rendition of a Bach Fugue,

Bach was clearly influenced by music he could get access to listen to.

Bring Bach to current times when he can get access to listen to millions upon millions music from around the world from myriad styles

Would Bach compose the same way ?

I find the too many notes in various Bach as well as several other classical composers
Alongside no room for inner space no time for a moment of stillness
Somewhat missing in let's say a certain inward awareness in their compositions.

Yes, true, about too many notes, sometimes, but he has "moments of heavenly greatness" that make all those notes irrelevant, like this.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eklI9yFRnlQ

Not one note too many there, just enough to make this one of my favourite pieces of music of all time.

Also, this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEbi-7tPaqo

Perfectly formed.

[Kwackman]

Thanks for sharing that Eddy, new name to me too.
I watched her "Sound of Silence" as well.

I was so wrapped up in the performance that I didn't really pay any attention to the recording itself!

A great mindset to have as a listener, otherwise there's no emotion it it!

Not much of the bottom end of the guitar?.

It looks like a smaller bodied guitar, which would have less bottom end?

[Logarhythm]

Also, this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEbi-7tPaqo

Perfectly formed.

Agreed - an absolutely sublime piece of music
I stumbled across this a couple of years ago and keep coming back to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNEnzNHTkd8

[ef37a]

"Too many notes? I shall have to talk to my son about that but my guess is he will say ...
"Just because YOU can't play them does not mean Bach was wrong!"

Then again, listen (or read, I can't) the parts for the Brandenburg Concertos? He is playing all the parts for #5 and there are PLENTY of gaps in that.

No one got the stridency yet? Could be my hearing...

Dave.

[blinddrew]

Doesn't sound overly bright to me given the environment and the instrument. It's small bodied but also the headstock looks like it might be of a considerable age. Vintage string instruments don't tend to have the bottom end we expect today.
Can't see the mics clearly but they look like a pair of SDCs. If they're cardiod at that distance (wouldn't be my starting approach) then that would also contribute to a bit less bottom.
Personally I enjoyed it a lot.

[tea for two]

"Too many notes? I shall have to talk to my son about that but my guess is he will say ...
"Just because YOU can't play them does not mean Bach was wrong!"

Then again, listen (or read, I can't) the parts for the Brandenburg Concertos? He is playing all the parts for #5 and there are PLENTY of gaps in that.

No one got the stridency yet? Could be my hearing...

Dave.

The too many notes in in relation to

Alongside no room for inner space no time for a moment of stillness
Somewhat missing in let's say a certain inward awareness in their compositions.

Gaps pauses doesn't equate to stillness.

:::::

Also overall where are their compositions for the common folk suffering poverty hardships.
Overall where are their compositions for personal loss personal tragedy folks suffer.

Composing for high society for some battle for courts of kings queens sure paid bills gained fame
Yet these are hollow things to compose for if they are not balanced by composing for common folk, composing with a certain inward awareness.