Work: Pastorale in F Major, BWV590

The Canadian chamber orchestra Les Violons du Roy, using baroque bows on metal strings at modern pitch, came to Walt Disney Concert Hall, backing Alexandre Tharaud on a big beautiful Steinway.

For whatever reason, performers have always seemed to fear the fourth wall. They are content to let their music speak for itself, and any attempt to address the audience verbally is often considered lowbrow. This makes sense in some regards, as it facilitates the image of performer as master and lends artistic integrity to the music.