Double Bassist
Orpheus Publications
Winter 2004
“Hovnanian has purposefully dispensed with many of the interpretive traditions of existing editions. As a potential deterrent to those already intimate with the work, the bass part is in written A minor. While new technical crutches appear to replace those the key re-establishment kicks away, I found the sonata more physically challenging. Occasional fingering indications throw some welcome light on forbidding corners, but the return to Schubert’s original slurrings makes significant demands on bow technique.
Hovnanian and Discordia’s ethos is compelling: the original manuscript and a blank sheet of paper would ideally be the starting point of any performance. However, the editorial choices made by others in attempting to derive and communicate the composer’s intentions should not be dismissed as ill-conceived. The journey from artefact to art will always be a personal one.”