performance practice decoded

Performance practice is a tricky issue: instead of WWJD, it’s more a questions of “what would Bach do” (or Brahms or Couperin). There are two general schools of thought about performance practice.

First, the militaristic approach to performance practice. It says: play-it-exactly-as-prescribed-or-you-will-be-shot (or at least, have points docked from your score). And no whining either. 

Second, the slightly more genial, creative approach. It says (in the words of my friend Crawford Wiley): ”Let’s assume that Bach (or whoever) played like we do – and if he didn’t, who cares?” 

That’s all you really need to know about performance practice. Unless, of course, you subscribe to the first approach, in which case, I’d suggest heading to the library right now. And plan on staying for a very long time.