The Golandsky Institute Discovery Series: the Art of Rhythmic Expression (3-Part DVD).(Video recording review)

The Golandsky Institute Discovery Series: The Art of Rhythmic Expression (3-Part DVD), The Golandsky Institute (Park West Finance Station, P.O. Box 20726, New York, NY 10025).

"At the beginning, there was rhythm"--Edna Golandsky

This set of three DVDs takes a serious look at rhythm and pulse as the underpinning for musical expression.

The Golandsky Institute was formed in 2003. In 2004, the Institute held its first Summer Symposium at Princeton University. These DVDs were recorded during the symposium before a live audience.

The first DVD starts with a lecture about rhythm and pulse. Although this part is somewhat interesting, the fun really begins with the careful and painstaking dissection of selected works, with explanations on the use of pulse and rhythm to enhance performance and better comprehend selected repertoire.

Edna Golandsky stays true to her mission throughout the series, carefully teaching the rhythmic underpinnings of Chopin's Mazurka, Op. 17, No. 4; Schubert's Impromptu in A-flat, Op. 90, No. 4; Schubert's Impromptu in E-flat, Op. 90, No. 2; and Chopin's Ballade, Op. 23.

Golandsky also stays faithful when discussing rhythm throughout the DVD series. Peripherally, she says music is about motion (rhythm), and to control motion you need to control the sound. She mentions other tapes that focus ...