pianist play in interpreting a transcription
When a pianist performs a work originally written for another instrument, it is usually described as either a transcription or an arrangement. However, the difference between these two terms is often blurred. Transcriptions are faithful adaptations, while arrangements may involve taking some musical liberties. A piano transcription is a particular type of arrangement that is based on an original composition, typically an orchestral piece, and adapted for piano. Franz Liszt was a great proponent of this genre of music, and on one of his most famous recordings he played an entire program of piano transcriptions from the symphonies of Beethoven and Brahms.
The most significant factor in interpreting a transcription is the sound of the piece. The piano is capable of producing the most complex sounds, including multiple tones at once, and can convey the full spectrum of a composer’s intentions. For this reason, it is the most commonly used instrument for a transcription, although other instruments can be used as well, depending on the sound that is desired.
In addition to determining the pitch of each individual note, a pianist must also be aware of the overall rhythm, key and instrumentation of the original piece. This can be very difficult and time-consuming to achieve, but it is essential for an accurate transcription. For example, the pianist must be able to differentiate between the different sounds that comprise an orchestral section, such as woodwinds and brass, as well as the distinctive sound of a solo violin or cello.
What role does the pianist play in interpreting a transcription?
When it comes to the actual act of transcription, many musicians find that it is easier to start with the simpler aspects of a piece. This is akin to doing a jigsaw puzzle, in which you complete the easy sections before moving on to the more difficult ones. This means starting with the melody, then tackling the bass movement and finally working out how the chords fit together.
It is also important to be aware of the role that dynamic and expressive variation plays in a transcription. For example, a sudden change in the tempo of a passage can cause the notes to be grouped differently and the durations of the individual sounds to be different. This can create a jarring effect that will distract listeners from the music itself.
Regardless of the challenges that can arise in transcribing music, most professional musicians agree that it is an invaluable skill. It can help musicians gain a deeper understanding of the music that they like, and it can encourage them to develop their own interpretations of those pieces. It can also serve as an effective practice tool, focusing the pianist’s ears on listening and writing down exactly what they hear.
Many renowned pianists have held an ongoing fascination with transcriptions, and they can be heard on recordings from a wide range of periods. The most recent advocates of this form of interpretation include Behzod Abduraimov, who began a recent recital at the 92nd Street Y with a performance of Liszt’s “Liebestod” from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, and Jeremy Denk, who recorded an entire album consisting solely of transcriptions from medieval and Renaissance vocal music by Machaut, Ockeghem, Josquin, etc.
