Authenticity

I was reading old posts (partly due to my negligence in keeping up with the blogs, and partly because I think some of them deserve to be read again). I came across a blog by Mandy from 11/13 titled “So, this has been flipping through my mind all week…” It dealt with the authenticity of a performance of a Nigerian carol that symphonic choir and chapel choir are performing at Readings and Carols (read her blog). I started to reply to this as a comment, but I really want to share this with everyone, and I will assume (hopefully erroneously) that most of us do not read past blogs and see if there are any new comments.

Here’s my point: Authenticity should always be up for question when performing music not of the "Western Canon." However, shouldn't we be making the same comments in reference to the authenticity of performances of music in the "Western Canon?"

How can there be a performance of a Bach Passion or Cantata outside of a Lutheran ceremony? Can Josquin des Prez be performed at a recital (as I did)? Can we sing a Schubert song cycle at a recital in Carnegie Hall? All of these are also non-authentic experiences. A Bach Passion or Cantata was written to be performed around the sermon, Josquin was writing strictly for Catholic Masses and services, and Schubert was writing for performance in small gatherings of friends (in fact, this is what makes his music quintessentially Romantic). Why aren’t we “up in arms” about this?

When it comes to “Non-Western” music, or any other music, are we ever going to have an authentic performance? We would need to travel to that country or region and find a performance in order for it to be authentic. And, even then it would not be authentic because there is some “westerner” watching. So, is it ever possible to give an authentic performance of music other than music that is composed for you and your purpose?

This whole thing brings up another issue, so read my next blog.