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William Trigg
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Dear James (and everyone else),
Now we've opened a brand new can of worms! I know that this subject is controversial, because I've discussed it with many other players. As far as I'm concerned, there is a significant difference between guitar transcriptions (which can only sound as written with a 4.6 or larger instrument) and violin transcriptions (which many marimbists play an octave lower than written, as James has stated). With most violin music, but especially the Bach Sonatas, there are two problems with dropping the octave, IMHO. First, these pieces were written harmonically for the register of the violin. There are many chords whose voicings simply do not work in the lower octave. If you study "correct" contrapuntal writing, you learn that closed chords - particularly with thirds in the lower voices - cannot be written below a certain pitch. Many of Bach's harmonies don't sound right an octave lower. In addition, you lose the brilliance of the upper register, which a good marimba in a good hall with proper mallets can certainly capture. Try the cello suites, and then listen to the difference in the way Bach wrote for the two instruments and their ranges. Personally, I'd never play the violin sonatas in the cello register. Isn't that what's wonderful about art? Many ideas & opinions, none right or wrong!! Thanks for listening to my $.02!
Bill T.
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[1327]Re:Re:4.5 Marimbas (412 reads)
[1325]4.5 Marimbas <Alex>
