The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #40960 Message #2920966
Posted By: Ron Davies
04-Jun-10 - 09:03 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req/Add: I'm A' Doun for Lack o' Johnnie
Subject: RE: req/ADD: I'm A' Doun for Lack o' Johnnie
It's interesting how your perspective changes based on what you're familiar with. I'm pretty sure I knew and loved the Bruch Scottish Fantasy before I even knew there was a song called "Scots Wha' Hae"--so what Bruch does seems just great to me. I've just finished listening first a voice-guitar version of the song (really stirring) and then to that section of the Fantasy----this sort of comparison is a great aspect of YouTube.
And they're both just wonderful. I can see now why the Bruch approach might bother you, Jim. He just does what classical composers do all the time--many variations on a theme--which is of course only part of the song. But of course I've heard it so many times, it seems just right to me. (And of course the fact that Jan also considers it a highly romantic and stirring piece is a plus too (to put it mildly).
I also may have to take Kendall's advice and get the Heifetz version---the passion in his performance is truly stunning. (Even though this would be going against my general rule of only getting one version of a classical piece--after all, there are so many pieces I don't even have one version of.
And it's great just to know what song the last part of the Fantasy is based on. Thanks for pointing that out.