Joshua Rifkin, American conductor and musicologist

Joshua Rifkin, born on April 22, 1944, in the vibrant cultural hub of New York City, is a distinguished American musician and scholar whose career has remarkably spanned the roles of conductor, keyboard player, and musicologist. Currently, he lends his expertise as a Professor of Music at Boston University, shaping the next generation of musical thinkers and practitioners.

A Scholar of Deep Inquiry

Rifkin's scholarly contributions are characterized by a profound commitment to historical accuracy and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions. His research traverses an expansive chronological landscape, from the intricate polyphony of Renaissance composers to the innovative sounds of the 20th century. Among classical musicians and serious aficionados, he is perhaps most celebrated for his groundbreaking and increasingly influential theory concerning the performance practice of Johann Sebastian Bach's choral works. This theory, often referred to as the "one-voice-per-part" (OVPP) hypothesis, posits that most of Bach's cantatas, oratorios, and passions were originally performed with only a single singer assigned to each vocal line, rather than the large choirs that became customary in later centuries.

This idea fundamentally recontextualizes our understanding of Bach's sound world. Rifkin cogently argued, "So long as we define 'chorus' in the conventional modern sense, then Bach's chorus, with few exceptions, simply did not exist." This statement underscores his belief that modern conceptions of choral performance often misrepresent the intimate, chamber-music-like scale of Bach's original ensembles, sparking considerable debate and ultimately inspiring a new wave of historically informed performances.

A Performer Bridging Eras and Genres

As a performer, Rifkin's discography reflects the same eclectic curiosity that defines his scholarship. His recordings showcase a vast repertoire, extending from the elegant compositions of the Renaissance master Antoine Busnois to the vibrant, often rhythmically complex works of the Mexican modernist Silvestre Revueltas. This broad range highlights his versatility and his deep engagement with diverse musical traditions.

However, it is his significant role in the American ragtime revival of the 1970s that cemented his place in the broader public consciousness. At a time when Scott Joplin's sophisticated piano rag compositions were experiencing a resurgence in popularity – partly fueled by their inclusion in films and popular culture – Rifkin's three seminal albums for Nonesuch Records were instrumental. These recordings, featuring Joplin's works, captivated a wide audience, reintroducing the intricate beauty and rhythmic vitality of classic ragtime to a new generation and ensuring its place in the American musical canon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Joshua Rifkin primarily known for in classical music circles?
In classical music, Joshua Rifkin is most renowned for his "one-voice-per-part" (OVPP) theory, which suggests that many of J.S. Bach's choral works were originally performed with only a single singer per vocal line, challenging traditional large-choir performances.
What is the "one-voice-per-part" (OVPP) theory?
The OVPP theory, championed by Rifkin, proposes that J.S. Bach's vocal ensembles were often much smaller than previously imagined, with only one singer assigned to each individual voice part (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), thus creating a more intimate, chamber music-like texture for his choral compositions.
How did Joshua Rifkin contribute to the ragtime revival?
Rifkin played a central role in the ragtime revival of the 1970s through his acclaimed recordings of Scott Joplin's works for Nonesuch Records. These albums introduced classic ragtime to a wider public and significantly contributed to its renewed popularity.
Where does Joshua Rifkin currently teach?
Joshua Rifkin is currently a Professor of Music at Boston University.
What kind of music does Joshua Rifkin perform and study?
Rifkin's interests are exceptionally broad, encompassing both scholarly research and performance. As a performer, he has recorded music ranging from Renaissance composers like Antoine Busnois to 20th-century figures such as Silvestre Revueltas. As a scholar, his research similarly spans from the Renaissance to the modern era, focusing on performance practice and historical interpretation.