Stephen Gislason arranger and performer on synthesizers.
The Art of the Fugue (Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV1080)is a collection of Johann Sebastian
Bach' last compositions.
His son, Carl, published the work in 1751, still incomplete. One theme is
developed through contrapuntal variations.
Much speculation and controversy has arisen as musicologists analyzed the
pieces. The last fugue 14 has been of special interest as presumably the last
music that Bach wrote and because his hand written score is unfinished at bar
239. His son Carl wrote on the score:" At the point where the
composer introduces the name BACH in the countersubject to this fugue, the composer died."
Glenn Gould recorded his versions of the Fugues (piano and
organ) and I have enjoyed and followed his approach to studio recording -- the
essence of which is creativity and minute attention to detail. In an online
review of Gould's recording, David Bryson stated:" One of the most extraordinary
things about Bach is how popular he manages to be for all his seeming severity.
The Art of Fugue is innocent of the lyricism that was also part of Bach's
infinite musical gift, it makes no compromises with us, but I would say to
newcomers to the work that Gould's accounts, partial as they are, would be the
best place to start to know this unique and towering masterpiece... Gould chose
to play the Art of Fugue on the organ, giving the separate voices, indeed, every
note, dynamic equality... with sound powerful and regal enough to do it justice
but with the clipped, clavichord rhythm that brings out the playful
personalities of which these fugues consist, emphasizing as Gould always does
the conversational diversity and harmony that is the essence of counterpoint."
While both Bach and Gould
receive a lot of attention from fans and scholars with attendant arguments, my
approach is (with due reverence) to follow my own instincts, preferences, and creativity. I wanted to achieve a version of the Art of
the Fugue that is different from previous versions. I have spent over 2
years developing my arrangements and could issue several albums with quite
divergent interpretations. One melodic theme repeats thru many variations. Four
voices interact in contrapuntal relationships that develop quite differently in
each fugue. I have orchestrated many of the fugues using synthesizer voices that
are both instrumental and also create novel sounds. The basic instruments are
grand piano, electronic pianos, vibraphone, trumpet, oboe, acoustic and electric
basses. Some purely synthesizer sounds are used in a voice or string like manner
for sustaining sounds. I believe I have reached an understanding with
Bach and Gould, that these pieces have an infinite quality that cannot be
contained in any individual's opinion of them. "Art of Fugue
We Seek Audiophile Perfection Noise is the enemy of high quality
music. Remember that quiet and discrete sounds are ubiquitous in nature. Loud
sounds are unusual and signal danger. Natural sounds are well defined and specific
so that the identity of the source is quickly recognized. This appreciation of the
qualities of natural sound is the basis of audiophile recording. We have 25
years of experience with computer based sound recording and enjoy technology shop
talk. We also have a well developed interest in how our brains process sounds. Our
in house music production creates audiophile quality recordings presented as CD's,
DVDs, singles and albums for Download.
Free Music Downloads are offered as music history, music appreciation, education
and demonstrations of Persona Studio's arranging, recording and mastering techniques.
All the recordings are completed in house by Stephen Gislason. The music selections
and their history are explained in the book, Sound of Music.
Topics presented at Persona Digital Studio are from the book, The Sound of Music
by Stephen Gislason. Click the Download button to order the eBook from Persona Digital Online.
Persona Digital Studio is located on the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt,
British Columbia, Canada. www.personadigitalstudio.com
email music@personadigitalstudio.com.
Our Music Catalogue includes recorded performances by the P2500 Band, Em4U, and
the Persona Classical Consort. Music downloads are available from our companion
website: Persona Digital
Online.
Persona Digital Studio is located on the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt,
British Columbia, Canada.