Add to Playlist Rick Wakeman and Fenella Humphreys, from Bach to Eurovision
Sep 20, 2024
Musical legends Rick Wakeman, a prog rock icon and keyboard virtuoso, and concert violinist Fenella Humphreys join in a captivating conversation. They dive into Bach's Concerto for Two Violins, exploring gut strings and Baroque techniques. Rick marries prog and Baroque, showcasing Gryphon’s fusion sounds. They also dissect the 1930s roots of White Town's 'Your Woman' and the iconic phrasing in Fitzgerald and Armstrong's 'Summertime.' The journey culminates with Moldova's vibrant Eurovision entry, 'Trenulețul,' connecting musical traditions.
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Guadagnini Violin As A Partner
- Fenella plays a Guadagnini violin from about 1763 and describes its revived tone after restoration.
- She calls the instrument a living partner that grows with the player and feels like a 'turbo boost' after repairs.
Gut Strings Define Baroque Tone
- Gut strings historically shaped Baroque string sound and remain used for authenticity in early music.
- Fenella prefers wound gut for recordings and notes gut A-strings persisted into mid-20th century practice.
Menuhin's Pre-Show Headstand
- Rick Wakeman recounts meeting Yehudi Menuhin at the Royal College of Music where Menuhin performed a surprising pre-show yoga pose.
- Menuhin stood on his head on stage to illustrate the importance of personal preparation before performing.
