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I usually do not comment colleagues interpreters as I know how hard is the job. And as our taste is based on our experiences and the age plays a role as well, one must let the people make their own choices. That’s why usually I do not read or participate in the musical discussions about “the best musician in the world”, ‘the best singer in the world” and so on…
But lately there was a very passionate exchange on one of these forums about a well-known singer and I wanted to listen to some interpretations myself. Probably you know how it goes – you start searching for something in Youtube and 2 hours later you are still in Youtube – and still searching for something else… In this case it was for Mozart’s “Là ci darem la mano” duet from the opera “Don Giovanni” where Don Giovanni seduces Zerlina.
My attention was drawn to two completely different versions of seduction (IMHO in the second one the singers try to seduce the camera, not each other). Compare and enjoy:

and

For those interested in the fortepiano playing – there are right now two offers for the Malcolm Bilson’s DVD “Knowing the score” on Amazon.com. The first DVD costs only $6,231.71 (or you can have it used for $7,374.57). The other offer is for $49.95. Your choice…

I do not know if it is a joke or erratum, but I like the idea that it is not simply $ 6,231.00, but $6,6231.Seventy One Cents!

Here an excerpt from “Knowing the score”:

P.S. In case one of the DVDs is sold meanwhile, here’s a screenshot ;)

Ari’s granddaughter was very kind to share in a comment what she knows about him and I feel obliged to answer her.
First of all, thanks, Jessica! I know how difficult is today to find out what really happened and especially when there is often more than one version of some events.
What you wrote about Biberti and Ari is correct, but it is only a small extract of a really complicated story. As a matter of fact, I did not mean to give a larger account of their relations when I wrote about Ari Leschnikoff – first, because it is already done on many German sites and secondly because only those really involved in it knew the exact truth and they are all gone. But maybe a small résumé could be of help. It is based on the documentary film where the members of the Comedian Harmonists recount their own memories and on the information many German links contain. I underline – I have not been there during the events, it is only a résumé.
Read more…

…Daniel Steibelt (1765-1823)!

I admit that it was a difficult quiz, as there are no recordings of his music, except only one sonata. But Georgi was very close with his guess-congratulations! (And I also would like to thank Acnapyx and Michel for their participation.)

What I really wished is to show that the “charlatans” can write wonderful music too. :-)

More about Steibelt coming soon… stay tuned!