Opinions on Ida Haendel's rendition of Bach Violin Sonata No. 2

August 30, 2019, 12:01 AM · Hi all,

Just curious, what are your thoughts of this version of Bach's Violin Sonata No. 2 Andante by Ida Haendel?

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

Is it just me, or is she articulating too aggressively?

Thanks!

Replies (3)

jean dubuisson

August 30, 2019, 4:43 AM · Ida Haendel has been a soloist with orchestra for her entire life, so she has ingrained very assertive bowing so as to be heard in large halls above the orchestra. Here she is playing a very intimate piece in a chamber setting so indeed this *may* come over as too "aggressive", depending on what is your taste. But please keep in mind and take into account that she is 80 years old in that video! She is a living legend and deserves tremendous respect.

Adrian Heath

Edited: August 30, 2019, 8:30 AM · Age? I've seen lesser mortals get a bit "crunchy" at the heel of the bow.

Solo Bach as an encore? It's lovely to finish the concert with something serene, but it has to reach the back of the hall!

Ms Haendel's legs may seem a tad wobbly, but that left hand, and her ears, are in fine shape. I hope I can play even half as well in ten years time!

John Rokos

September 7, 2019, 5:22 PM · Ms??? I would have imagined "Miss" would be more appropriate, but maybe you know more than I do.
If she's still playing and still knows how to phrase, she's doing better than Segovia did at 90 (Mind you, my father was still playing quite well at 90).

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