Does he anticipate the rhetorical style of the Baroque period?
I wouldnt claim that he anticipates Baroque expression, but, without trying to label him as the creator of such a decisive style, I would say that there is a very important and significant expressive dimension to his work. I think that great performers with the ability to communicate have succeeded in conveying what they have to say, whatever their period, and whatever instruments they played. But, since you ask me to compare, I think that early instruments are better at talking to us. Why are you a musician? I would answer with the same words that Milan Kundera used when he was asked why he was a writer – to lift the spirit.. Do you mean your spirit, or the spirits of others? There are many sides to being a musician. Giving concerts is one, and teaching is another, but most of the time you are alone with your instrument. Those are the times when the spirit is most uplifted. In a performance, a very different kind of energy comes into play because then communication is driven by a purp
