The resurrection of all but forgotten legends
Spring Fashion
Written by cjhammon in Books | Music | Art | Culture, Features, Style
Tags
No tags :(
Share it
••••••
Suppose you are among the most influential composers and performers of your time, working in the world’s hot-bed of culture. Musicians near and far travel to study with you because you’re on the cutting edge of something big in music.
In your “spare” time, you teach foreign languages to royalty and make trips representing your country because, along with being the greatest violin virtuoso of your time, you’ve become something of a diplomat. Among your protégés and admirers are people that become legends themselves—people like Johann Sebastian Bach.
If this were the case, your name would certainly be on every tongue for the next several hundred years if not for all eternity. Wouldn’t it? But it wasn’t so for Johann Paul von Westhoff, a German violist who has been all but forgotten since his death in 1705.
I owe this discovery to Daniel Hope, a British violinist who performed von Westhoff’s Imitation of Bells as his encore piece at a Saturday night concert of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Following a riveting performance of Max Bruch’s Concerto No. 1 in G Minor for Violin and Orchestra, Hope returned to the stage and enthralled the audience with this two-minute movement from von Westhoff’s Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Bass. The piece seemed nearly impossible to play––but play it he did as a solo, minus the bass. Take a listen at the link above.
I like it so much that I raced to ITunes to find a von Westhoff album, settling on David Plantier & David les plaisirs du Parnasse. (It includes Imitation of Bells.) While I was on there, I couldn’t resist Joshua Bell’s new album, Joshua Bell and St. Martin in the Fields, Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 and 7. Bell, a native Hoosier, is both violinist and conductor on this album! You can hear him talk about it here.
I love when a good encore practically upstages the performance that preceded it! (How is that possible?) What’s the most memorable encore performance you’ve ever seen? What are you listening to these days? P.S. I linked this post to my friend Patti’s blog, Not Dead Yet Style. Check out her Visible Monday feature every week for some great ideas.
Life is short. Wear the good stuff.
14 comments
Just Verte Style said:
February 19, 2013 at 5:51 pm
Crystal, I see that we share a love of classical music, as well as bargains! Thank you for this wonderful post about Von Westhoff. I particularly love violin and cello sonatas, my favorite musical period being the baroque.
Tomorrow, I’ll certainly see about finding the pieces you mention and look forward to hearing them.
Cheers,
April
PS Your outfit on the post looks like a cross between a French sailor and a sauce-y coquette. Love it!
cjhammon said:
February 19, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Yay! See that’s why we really do need to meet in real life! It does have that French sailor look doesn’t it. I always feel a little frumpy in flats, but it worked here, I think.
Trina said:
February 19, 2013 at 6:06 pm
What a wonderful post, thank you for taking the time to share the talent of this brilliant violinist. I hate to admit this but my most memorable encore performance was by Elton John, although I guess there is nothing wrong with this, he is an amazing performer. I have had the privilege of living next door to a family of violinists where I have often found myself asked to sit for a private (practice) audition. O’ how I love this time. By the way, your red and black outfit is stunning, and the pattern on your tights reminds us how exquisite you are.
cjhammon said:
February 19, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Oh, you’re so kind, Trina. Elton John–you lucky dog. I’ve never seen him perform live. I am amazed that anyone can play a violin. It just seems impossible!
Bella Q, The Citizen Rosebud said:
February 20, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Crystal! I love your outfit- have just swiped the pic for my style inspirations folder, and the piece of music you shared has brightened my day, as well as seeing your sweet face!
cjhammon said:
February 21, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Get back up there on your pedestal girl! You’re my style inspiration–not the other way around! Thanks for your compliments. It means a lot coming from you!
Jeannie@gracefully50 said:
February 20, 2013 at 7:41 pm
You look fantastic in stripes & lace!
I’ve not been to a symphony in sooo long….sigh.
cjhammon said:
February 21, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Same here, Jeannie! Our symphony had a contract dispute. Like every other city in the country, the economy really sacked their endowments and they have had some financial struggles that gave us a late start this year. I’ve figured out that there’s always the library and Itunes when I can’t go!
Jan Graham-McMillen said:
February 21, 2013 at 2:41 pm
First … enviable outfit. You look wonderful.
Then … thank you for the von Westhoff links. Naturally, I had to find out why he’s so infrequently referenced. Not much info, beyond the fact that the bulk of his work remains lost. Wonder if he was prolific? More Googling will happen.
I’m a fan of the Baroque … in most of it’s forms. I’m currently obsessed with Jaques Loussier and his trio. His jazz trio does wonderful things with Bach and the other Baroques. Here’s a fun YouTube introduction!
cjhammon said:
February 21, 2013 at 7:56 pm
I don’t think I ever really gave baroque a chance until now. The Westhoff album I purchased and the video you shared really showed me how expansive baroque is. But I had always felt that it was so stuffy. Thanks for another great intro to baroque!
Jan Graham-McMillen said:
February 21, 2013 at 2:42 pm
Oops. Forgot the link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14AhD3xdoMk
Duh.
J/
cjhammon said:
February 21, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Wow! really, just…wow! Love this music. Thanks for sharing, Jan!
Jan Graham-McMillen said:
February 21, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Yup. Are not M. Loussier and les garcons just the bomb? I’m sort of in fan-girl mode over these guys. As is my Huz, in an entirely musical way. Glad you enjoyed it. Several albums later, and all of his interpretations sound fresh.
Have a great week.
cjhammon said:
February 25, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Thank you! Love the introduction to new music AND your wildly creative blog. So cool!