A score is not music. It is grammar waiting to become speech.

In this episode of The Musical Archeologist, Craig Dabelstein returns to Oscar Comettant's 1874 portrait of the French pianist Francis Planté to explore the role of the performer — and the conductor — as interpreter. Planté was criticised for being "only" a virtuoso and not a composer, but Comettant turns that criticism upside down, arguing that performers keep the works of the masters alive.

Drawing also on Dr David Whitwell's idea that "Music is a Verb," this episode reflects on the score as a silent trace of musical thought, and on the interpreter as an advocate for composers who can no longer speak for themselves.

Written and presented by Craig Dabelstein.

Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young.

Based on Oscar Comettant's Francis Planté: Portrait musical à la plume.

Podcast webpage: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/

Buy the book: https://books.by/maximes-music

Craig Dabelstein: https://craigdabelstein.com/

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