Today, I am beginning a series of notes, partially to myself, but also as a scrapbook of ideas for other musicians. Things that that find interesting, important and frustrating. It all begins with Beethoven. I will post responses as they arise!

Saturday 18th May – Beethoven is always right!

I make a point of not ranting (online, anyway) , but today have to make a note to violinists.  I found myself spluttering into my coffee, and had to run to the score of Beethoven Op 47, and to my recording, to check that I was not losing my mind.

It’s quite simplwhat LvB wrote (DYNAMICS, ARTICULATION) works. Here w/ the great Aaron Shorr, trusting the composer! I just ran into a film of a fellow-fiddler-very starry – ignoring every subito piano and articulation in this movement. The pianist was valiantly trying to ameliorate the romanticising ‘improvements” Hence my gentle rant.