The Notation Is Not the Music: Reflections on Early Music Practice and Performance

by Barthold Kuijken

Written by a leading authority and artist of the historical transverse flute, The Notation Is Not the Music offers invaluable insight into the issues of historically informed performance and the parameters―and limitations―of notation-dependent performance. As Barthold Kuijken illustrates, performers of historical music should consider what is written on the page as a mere steppingstone for performance. Only by continual examination and reexamination of the sources to discover original intent can an early music practitioner come close to authentic performance.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Junichi Sugimoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially in music from before the 18th century, not all the notes to be played are written on the score. Performers must decipher the score and pursue the piece in their performance. There are places where improvisation is required, and there is no end to the exploration; perfection is impossible. That's what makes it so interesting.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this to anyone who wishes to understand deeper the philosophy in Historically Informed Performance Practice(s) in (Western) Early Music.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I've heard 98% of this before. But it was still interesting to see it all in one place.

[Beverly Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many good ideas, I keep going back to it.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this to anyone who wishes to understand deeper the philosophy in Historically Informed Performance Practice(s) in (Western) Early Music.