Musings on bad playing and Bach (J.S.)

My brother is playing the violin in the middle school orchestra. He's practicing downstairs right now. I don't really have a problem with him practicing, but does he have to do it in the one place where to the sound projects throughout the entire household? He's playing one of those poorly done renditions of famous tunes from a book. I think it's something from The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky is pretty awesome, but this is murder.

For Christmas I'm getting my professor Scott Slapin's recording of the Bach Solo Sonatas and Partitas on Viola... that's right! None of this violin stuff, it's all hardcore solo viola! You can read all about it on his web site, but I think it's refreshing to see works not originally intended for viola being played in that context. If you think about it, back in the Middle Ages there was really no indication of what instrument should play what part, it was all about whatever was handy. While there are plenty of pieces that are clearly meant for one instrument or another, there's not reason why it can't be played in another context. If that makes any sense. Bach is important to us violists, though. I mean, we pretty much base our entire existence off of some sketchy quote by one of his sons who alludes to Bach's favorite instrument being the viola. It's kind of sad how people sometimes forget the good music is still being composed today.

My brother's still practicing. I wonder how string teachers, or really just about any music teacher, can stand listening to this all day. It must mutilate your soul to lie and tell these kids they're doing well. I wonder if the truth would be any better?