[Ask the Gulch] Which performance do you think is the most provocative—discounting advancements in recording technology? The piano piece, “Zambra Gitano” by Ernesto Lecuona—A. Recorded by the composer, or B. Recorded by Thomas Tirino, a lifetime Lecuona devotee.
Posted by bubah1mau 2 years, 1 month ago to Ask the Gulch
A. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFyFV...
B. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRFpA...
On the face of it, the first performance with the composer Lecuona playing would be the authentic version and Tirino is a skilled showman.
But after listening to both, the composer playing produced something 'good'.
But Tirano controlled the volume, rhythm and pacing to make the piece 'swing'.
This is often the case, definitive performances, well as judged by critics, are seldom conducted or played by the composer.