Siegmund
Well-known member
The first recording is almost exactly at the tempo Grieg specified in the original (half=144) while the second has backed it off to about 132. So I can't accuse the first pair of doing anything other than what the composer intended --- but I agree it's easier to hear all the notes, not to mention easier to play, when it's backed off a little.
The times I played the string-orchestra arrangement, I reluctantly confess we never managed anything close to that fast; if my memory of 20+ years ago services, we omitted the movement entirely once, and played it between 112 and 120 another time.
As for the good-looking accordionists, it's excellent publicity for the instrument. But it does make me fear that no matter how good I get at playing the instrument, nobody will ever want to see a long-haired, greying, and slightly overweight man performing. At least the belly remains safely out of sight behind the instrument.
The times I played the string-orchestra arrangement, I reluctantly confess we never managed anything close to that fast; if my memory of 20+ years ago services, we omitted the movement entirely once, and played it between 112 and 120 another time.
As for the good-looking accordionists, it's excellent publicity for the instrument. But it does make me fear that no matter how good I get at playing the instrument, nobody will ever want to see a long-haired, greying, and slightly overweight man performing. At least the belly remains safely out of sight behind the instrument.
