Listen to a captivating discussion with Masaaki Suzuki on interpreting Bach. Discover Suzuki's insights on the St. John's Passion, his Calvinist background, and his favorite organ in Groningen. Explore the influence of Christianity in Japan, his musical journey, and upcoming projects. Dive into the evolution of organs, Glenn Gould's interpretations of Bach, and the impact of Bach's music worldwide.
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Quick takeaways
Bach's St. John's Passion was innovative and dramatic, shocking the traditional passion tradition.
Suzuki's Calvinist background influences his musical interpretation of Bach, valuing cultural and religious contributions.
Deep dives
The Innovation of Bach's St. John's Passion
In Bach's time, the passion tradition involved Bible readings in the liturgy, but Bach's St. John's Passion was a dramatic musical experience that shocked everyone. The structure of the choral work in the passion was also unique, with the choir performing multiple functions. Masaki Suzuki, the podcast guest, views St. John's Passion as a sacred work rather than a Christian or Lutheran work, allowing the music to be appreciated in different ways. Suzuki's Calvinist background influences his approach to Bach's music, as Calvin valued cultural activity and inspired musical activity in the world. Bach's move to Leipzig was driven by his desire to contribute more to the Lutheran church.
Masaki Suzuki's Encounter with Bach's B Minor Mass
Suzuki recalls being 12 years old when he first encountered Bach's B Minor Mass through a recording by Carl Richter. He was immediately captivated by the music, although he did not understand the complex texts and music at the time. Suzuki highlights Adolf Scherbaum's trumpet playing in the Mass as particularly fascinating. He acknowledges that Richter's recording may seem overblown and stiff by contemporary standards, but emphasizes that at the time, it likely generated excitement and appreciation for the audience. Suzuki also mentions other older recordings, such as Mengeleberg's St. Matthew Passion, which were accepted and appreciated in their historical context.
Masaki Suzuki's Musical Journey and Multifaceted Career
Suzuki shares his journey from being a teenager fascinated by organs to studying composition and organ in the Netherlands. His exposure to Ton Koopman's concert in Amsterdam was particularly inspiring. Suzuki gradually ventured into conducting as a necessity while performing ensemble music by Bach. He believes that the harpsichord, organ, and conducting integrate well, sharing similar musical principles. Suzuki's approach to productivity is fueled by his fascination with Bach's music, which compels him to keep working and striving for the best. Despite his years of experience, Suzuki acknowledges that there are still mysteries and puzzles in Bach's music, making it an ongoing exploration for him.
The Influence of Japanese Culture on Masaki Suzuki's Music
Suzuki reflects on the cultural differences he notices between Japanese and American audiences. While American audiences are often more friendly and easily excited, Japanese audiences are more reserved, although deeply appreciative and cooperative. He highlights the Japanese approach to Christianity and how it differs from other countries. Suzuki finds it meaningful to perform Christian music in Japan, as it allows for open discussion and interpretation of the texts and their messages. He also discusses the historical presence of Christianity in Japan, such as hidden Christians and the impact of Calvinism in Kobe. Suzuki mentions that Bach's music transcends cultures and is appreciated worldwide, emphasizing its universal nature.
A conductor, harpsichordist, and organist, Masaaki Suzuki stands as a towering figure in Baroque music, renowned for his comprehensive and top-tier recordings of Bach's works, including all of Bach's sacred and secular cantatas. Suzuki's unparalleled dedication extends beyond Bach, with significant contributions to the works of Mozart, Handel, and other 18th-century composers. He is the founder of the Bach Collegium Japan, an artist in residence at Yale, and conducts orchestras and choruses around the world.
Tyler sat down with Suzuki to discuss the innovation and novelty in Bach's St. John's Passion, whether Suzuki's Calvinist background influences his musical interpretation, his initial encounter with Bach through Karl Richter, whether older recordings of Bach have held up, why he trained in the Netherlands, what he looks for in young musicians, how Japanese players appreciate Bach differently, whether Christianity could have ever succeeded in Japan, why Bach's larger vocal works were neglected for so long, how often Bach heard his masterworks performed, why Suzuki's favorite organ is in Groningen, what he thinks of Glenn Gould’s interpretations of Bach, what contemporary music he enjoys, what he'll do next, and more.