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Pinheaded Angel–Dancing The controversy over how many choristers poor old Bach had at his modest disposal [September, October, and December 1982] is just so much pinheaded angel-dancing. Even if it could be proved that Bach had only one voice per part, or that he had to sing all the parts himself by means of Mongolian split-voice techniques, this would not justify our imitating his deprivations. The Bach choral works are glorious, monumental pieces that, for their full realization, require the contrasts in weight of tone available from mod em performing forces. This whole matter of authentic performance and instrumentation can be seen as the musicological trivia it is when one remembers that today's audiences do not listen to faithfully reconstructed performances with the same ears as the composer's contemporaries did; an historical gulf intervenes. Whether we hear Bach's peculiar-sounding strings and oboes or the broken down old pianos Beethoven was always snapping strings on is a matter of little interest to the general music listener. It should be left to the musicologists, who may someday decide that Mozart sounds best performed on eighteenth-century comb and tissue paper. The musicologists should devote their energies to establishing correct texts, ornamentation style, and tempo and dynamic indications where possible-elements that really do affect the music as we hear it--for the calendar is never going to be turned back, no matter how much they fuss. James Wade; Seoul, Korea Ominous Thumps The query titled "Thumper" in October's "CrossTalk" reminded me of a similar experience I had. Until about a year ago, my system included a Nikko 7075 integrated amp and a pair of Audio Monitor 9200-11 four-way acoustic suspension speakers. At times, this setup would produce an ominous thumping noise that would increase as the volume was turned up. Of course, I was concerned that the speakers were being damaged. Turning down the volume did seem to help eliminate the problem. Since I was in the process of upgrading my system, I decided to replace the integrated amp with a Nikko Alpha 220 amplifier and Beta 40 preamp. The minute I connected the new components, the thumping stopped, and to this day it has not returned, regardless of the volume level or the type of music being played. Clearly the increased headroom of the new setup was the remedy. (Incidentally, the speakers sound excellent, too.) -Robert A. Jones; Milford, N.J. Bravos ... and No–Nos Bravo. Conrad L. Osborne and his "Collectors’ Gioconda" (August 1982)! Not that I can second all of Mr. Osborne's opinions, but the breadth and richness of his study are truly Ponsellian. Here's hoping for the same treatment of other major recordings. -Barry Frauman; Chicago. Ill. Your review of Glenn Frey's new album "No Fun Aloud" (September 1982] was fine, except for one thing. Although his Midwest, Jack Nicholson-ish intonation is quite distinctive, I believe you'll find that the voice "immortalized" on Eagles standards like "The Best of My Love" is not Frey's, as stated, but drummer Don Henley's. Joanne Recca; Glen Cove, N.Y. We stand corrected. -Ed. Kudos for Don Heckman's "The Postwar Jazz Trumpet" record review (September 1982)! His excellent work is characterized by a rare combi nation of brevity, substance, insight, and knowledge. Mark Kaplan ; Brookfield, Conn. Thank you for the complimentary remarks about my new album ("Missin' Twenty Grand," July 1982]. I was really flattered, particularly by the comparisons to Rickie Lee [Jones]. The review helped me keep the LP alive. Thanks! David Lasley ;New York, N.Y. Home Brew I found Robert Long's article on record and tape care products most informative. Does Mr. Long recommend using a solution of 25% pure isopropyl alcohol and 75% distilled water as a substitute for popular commercial record-cleaning liquids? -David R. Long; West Jefferson. N.C. Mr. Long replies: No. I don't. I'd stick to the manufacturers' formulations. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, HIGH Fidelity, 825 7th Ave., New York, N.Y. 10019. All letters are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Also see: |