In the general tab, because I think it is a spot-on interpretation of one of my favorite pieces, and the fugue especially deserves praise. As people can probably tell from the interpretations I put on the forum, I like energetic “up tempo” performances of this music and crisp registrations and people not afraid of some judicious use of rubato. This is a piece with a special memory for me because it takes me back to my sophomore year of college and sneaking into the chapel of Colorado Women’s College where our choir was on tour, and playing the Fantasia for a friend of mine in college (Doug Hoffmann). I won’t say Felix Hell’s performance is flawless, because he makes mistakes (but who doesn’t on this titanic piece?), but this is such a fine interpretation I have to commend it. A dramatic and energetic piece and he gives it his all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0W--COZJMk
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Thanks for sharing this. The personality of the performer comes through wonderfully in the music. From going to classical music concerts for many years (actually decades now…oh dear I’m getting old!), I’ve found the best performances of any piece to be when the personality of the performer blends with, and subsequently enhances, the music being played. Felix Hell seems to be such a performer. Thanks again.
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