2015–2016 · The original series
BachElit.
What makes an interpretation distinctive? And what happens when the audience joins the conversation?
I started BachElit in September 2015. After concerts, we often talked with listeners about what had happened in the music, what we listened for as performers, and why we chose a particular tempo or sound. I wanted to give those questions time and space of their own.
In the first half of each session, I explored a theme through my own experience as a musician, stories, recordings and videos. Then came the part that mattered most to me: an open conversation. Anyone could ask a question, disagree, or raise something I had never thought to prepare for.
I gave talks at the Klebelsberg Kultúrkúria and at ELLÁTÓház. At the University of Dunaújváros, we explored the relationship between music and mathematics in Hungarian and English. I also posted listening selections and outlines of the talks on the original website. Those materials are preserved here as an archive.
“People say Hungarian audiences rarely dare to speak up… Is that really true?”
A question from the original BachElit introduction, 2015Archive · ten themes
What did we talk about?
Surviving introductions and programmes for the ten themes, together with music links recovered from the original pages. Complete materials are not available for every session. The introductions are translated into English; linked recordings and documents remain in their original languages.
Overture
Where does music begin?
Explore ↗BachElit · themeCharacter
What makes a melody gentle or angry?
Explore ↗BachElit · themeVirtuosos
Technique and personality
Explore ↗BachElit · themeThe Four Seasons
One theme, many ways of listening
Explore ↗BachElit · themeOld Music, New Music?
How do we approach contemporary music?
Explore ↗BachElit · themeWhat Do Tempo Markings Tell Us?
More than speed
Explore ↗BachElit · themeThe String Quartet
Four people, one musical idea
Explore ↗BachElit · themeSeen It Before! – Film Music
Music and moving images
Explore ↗BachElit · themeA Number of Reasons
Music and mathematics
Explore ↗BachElit · themeCrossover?
Between genres
Explore ↗