Goldberg Variations Pt.1 [Import]

Goldberg Variations Pt.1 [Import]

Goldberg Variations Pt.1 [Import]

ASIN: B00000GBFJ

Track Listings
 
1. Queens Pawn Opening Aria On Harpisichord
2. Aria On Piano
3. Kings Gambit Var 1 On Harpsichord
4. Var 1 On Piano
5. Pawn To Queen 4 Var 2 On Harpsichord
6. Var 2 On Piano And Harpsichord
7. Knight To Bishiop 3 Var 3 On Harpsichord
8. Var 3 On Piano
9. English Opening Var 4 On Harpsichord
10. Var 4 On Piano And Harpsichord
11. French Defence Var 5 On Harpsichord
12. Var 5 On Piano And Harpsichord
13. Bishop To Queen 3 Var 6 On Harpsichord
14. Var 6 On Piano And Harpsichord
15. Pawn To King 5 Var 7 On Harpsichord
16. Var 7 On Piano And Harpsichord
17. Enpassant Var 8 On Piano And Harpsichord
18. Var 8 On Piano And Harpsichord
19. Rook Takes Queens Knight Var 9 On Harpsichord
20. Var 9 On Piano
See all 30 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Japanese reissue of 1986 album. Based on J.S. Bach's 'Goldberg Variations'. 30 tracks. Mercury.

Goldberg Variations Pt.1,John Lewis,Universal/Philips,Jazz
Bach: The Goldberg Variations 1955 Performance: Zenph Re-performance
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • I was there...and I love the CD.
  • The classics never die; just reborn!
  • sorry I am in the B. Johnson camp
  • Beautiful to a listener unfamiliar with original recording
  • Glenn Gould...without the humming!
 Bach: The Goldberg Variations 1955 Performance: Zenph Re-performance

Manufacturer: Sony Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000LE0THE
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Tracks:

  1. Aria
  2. Variation 1
  3. Variation 2
  4. Variation 3: Canon On The Unison
  5. Variation 4
  6. Variation 5
  7. Variation 6: Canon On The Second
  8. Variation 7
  9. Variation 8
  10. Variation 9: Canon On The Third
  11. Variation 10: Fughetta
  12. Variation 11
  13. Variation 12: Canon On The Fourth
  14. Variation 13
  15. Variation 14
  16. Variation 15: Canon On The Fifth
  17. Variation 16: Ouverture
  18. Variation 17
  19. Variation 18: Canon On The Sixth
  20. Variation 19
  21. Variation 20
  22. Variation 21: Canon On The Seventh
  23. Variation 22: Alla Breve
  24. Variation 23
  25. Variation 24: Canon On The Octave
  26. Variation 25
  27. Variation 26
  28. Variation 27: Canon On The Ninth
  29. Variation 28
  30. Variation 29
  31. Variation 30: Quodlibet
  32. Aria Da Capo
  33. Aria
  34. Variation 1
  35. Variation 2
  36. Variation 3: Canon On The Unison
  37. Variation 4
  38. Variation 5
  39. Variation 6: Canon On The Second
  40. Variation 7
  41. Variation 8
  42. Variation 9: Canon On The Third
  43. Variation 10: Fughetta
  44. Variation 11
  45. Variation 12: Canon On The Fourth
  46. Variation 13
  47. Variation 14
  48. Variation 15: Canon On The Fifth
  49. Variation 16: Ouverture
  50. Variation 17
  51. Variation 18: Canon On The Sixth
  52. Variation 19
  53. Variation 20
  54. Variation 21: Canon On The Seventh
  55. Variation 22: Alla Breve
  56. Variation 23
  57. Variation 24: Canon On The Octave
  58. Variation 25
  59. Variation 26
  60. Variation 27: Canon On The Ninth
  61. Variation 28
  62. Variation 29
  63. Variation 30: Quodlibet
  64. Aria Da Capo

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I was there...and I love the CD........2007-07-05

A friend of mine is a Yamaha piano technician and he got tickets for my wife and I to attend the recording of the Zenph re-issue at the Glenn Gould Theatre in Toronto. It was such a mystical and magical experience, I heard pianists say that "Gould's ghost had walked into the room". The concert was astounding. That's why I bought the CD.
I'm listening to it as I write this and rate it 5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars The classics never die; just reborn!.......2007-06-28

This masterful re-edition allows the new generations may even get closer to what this recording meant in 1955 for the musical universe. It's hard to guess how many listeners became music lovers of this genre, because of Gould was if I may the first and possibly the greates artisitc achievement in the history of the music.

These Goldberg meant a true openess and at the same time the most convincing proof the classic music was far to be considered a status issue reserved just for a minory. Besides it illuminated the interpretative flame of many new pianists who understood had became an icon of the instrument and a key force in what Bach's music concerned.

The superb quality of sound is outstanding, and due the fact that 25 years ago Gould left us, we have the suspect there will be mnusch more pleasant surprises of Sonny in what concerns new releases of this genius of the keyboard.

3 out of 5 stars sorry I am in the B. Johnson camp.......2007-06-26

My heart skipped and my tummy got the butterflies when I saw this in Barnes & Noble. I had not heard anything about it. Well I am not a classical music critic, but I know good recordings. Part of the reason is that I've read every one of B. Johnson's reviews. If you are reading this B. Johnson thanks for your reviews, you even got me into Murakami.

That being said I listened to it in Barnes & Noble. The sound quality was stunning. Yet I too did feel something was missing. So lo and behold I came here first chance I get and see the reviews. And of course B. Johnson stated what I felt was true.

So even me a non-expert knew something was wrong.

I am in the camp that thinks something is missing with this recording. Still it is an interesting idea. Hopefully they will continue to experiment and improve this technology.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful to a listener unfamiliar with original recording.......2007-06-13

I have read several critiques of this "re-performance" claiming that it falls short of the original. While this may be true, I am unfamiliar with the original and find this to be a truly moving and beautiful reproduction. Within minutes of my first listen, I forgot about the technology that made the album possible and found myself captivated by Gould's brilliance.

It's to be expected that music lovers will compare the Zenph performance against the original, but I think listeners should also try enjoying this CD on its own merits. It's a great way for those of us accustomed to high quality recordings to appreciate a great performance of the past.

3 out of 5 stars Glenn Gould...without the humming!.......2007-06-09

Well...not exactly. When I originally heard of this recording, I was intrigued with the concept. I've been a huge fan of the Gould versions of the Goldberg Variations for quite awhile, but more so of the 1980 rendition than the 1955 version, largely because the latter's sound quality was so relatively poor (recorded in mono, lots of hiss and background noise, etc.). So the idea that I could obtain a cleaned up version of Mr. Gould's breakthrough recording, not only in stereo but in SACD was immediately appealing to me. As such I purchased a copy as soon as I could.

My biggest concern was that the "performance" would be mechanical and not sound like a human playing the piano, let alone not sound like Mr. Gould himself at the keyboard. That concern was quickly wiped away as I started to listen to it. There is not a hint of mechanical, overly systematic playing. It truly sounds like there is a person stroking the keys to Bach's magnificent composition. But is that person Glenn Gould resurrected from the dead? I checked this out by playing each movement from this recording back to back with each movement from the original 1955 recording. What I found was that, while this "re-performance" certainly captures the tempo and pacing of the original recording, and much of it's height and depth of playing, it failed to retain the energy of many of the intensely struck notes or the gentleness of many of the softly struck notes. As a result, the liveliness and tenderness of Gould's playing is significantly lost in this production, which is what I thought made his playing so unique in the first place.

As such, while I recommend this recording as an interesting experiment in technology, and definately an enjoyable rendering of the Goldberg Variations, don't think that you will be getting a true "cleaned up" version of the 1955 recording. It comes surprisingly close, but sadly no cigar. Glenn Gould unfortunately remains in his grave.
Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Awesome CD
  • He started dancing as soon as we put it on!
  • Better than baby einstein
  • great music at a great price
  • A Wonderful CD for all ages
 Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music

Manufacturer: Ent. Media Partners
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002XE8
Release Date: 1997-10-24

Tracks:

  1. Clair de Lune
  2. Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance: Andante
  3. Moonlight Sonata: Adagio sestonuto
  4. Minute Waltz
  5. On The Beautiful Blue Danube
  6. The Nutcracker Suite: Russian Dance
  7. El Amor Brujo: Danca del Terror
  8. Grand Valse Brillante, Waltz No. 1 op. 18
  9. Scenes Of Childhood Op. 15: Knight Of The Rocking Horse; Important Event
  10. Goldberg Variations: Aria
  11. The Nutcracker Suite: Chinese Dance
  12. Symphony No. 7: Allegro molto
  13. Symphony No. 94: Menuetto: Allegro molto
  14. The Nutcracker Suite: March
  15. Sonata In C Minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Awesome CD.......2007-05-11

Have enjoyed this CD immensely with our four-year old. Great price for the quality. Thank you.

5 out of 5 stars He started dancing as soon as we put it on!.......2007-01-09

My 12 month old loves this CD and happily bops away to the music (in the car he sometimes even starts singing!). We like it too and not being very well versed in Classical music, it is a nice mix for us.

5 out of 5 stars Better than baby einstein.......2006-02-26

This is a great CD, with great music, at a great price. Everyone seems to love Baby Einstein, but I don't like the plinking music on those CD's, I like real orchestral pieces to stimulate my child. This is exactly what parents need, at a good price!

5 out of 5 stars great music at a great price.......2006-02-02

I got this cd to use as background when putting my 18 month old to sleep and for car rides. So far it has not made it out of the car. The cd is wonderful. The first song is the Luftansa airline comercial song (that is what my husband calls it) and is beautiful. I didn't think my husband would enjoy the cd at all but he doesn't mind one bit listening to it, he actually will put it on himself when we get in the car. My daughter loves it and will often start nodding her head back and forth to songs. I actually listen to it even when my daughter is not in the car. The music is soft and relaxing but not boring. It is also one of the only cd's that my in laws don't mind listening to when they are in the car with us.

I only paid like $4 here on amazon for it and I gladdly would of paid more for such a great cd. Its a great cd for such a great price!

5 out of 5 stars A Wonderful CD for all ages.......2002-11-03

My whole family has enjoyed this CD. It is very upbeat and easy to listen to. I think there is something for everyone on this one.
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • the most relaxing classical music in the university
  • Relaxing Classical Music
  • Stress-freedom
  • Greatly enjoy!
  • the most relaxing classical music in the universe
 The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
Johann Sebastian Bach , Ralph Vaughan Williams , George Frideric Handel , Gustav Holst , Samuel Barber , Edvard Grieg , Jean Sibelius , Antonin Dvorak , Franz Liszt , Charles Gounod , Fryderyk Chopin , Alexander Borodin , Maurice Ravel , Antonio Vivaldi , Satie, Erik , and Various Artists
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008RH16
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

  1. Canon - Pachelbel
  2. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik-Andante - Mozart
  3. Fur Elise - Beethoven
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  6. Idyl for Strings - Adagio - Janacek
  7. Adagio in G Mnor - Albinoni
  8. The Girl with the Flaxen Hair - Debussy
  9. Air on a G String - Bach
  10. Greensleeves - Vaughn Williams
  11. Largo from Xerxes - Handel
  12. Prelude in C - Bach
  13. The Planets - Venus - Holst
  14. Goldberg Variations - Aria - Bach
  15. Adagio for Strings - Barber

Tracks:

  1. Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun - Debussy
  2. Fur Elise - Beethoven
  3. Holberg Suite - Sarabande - Grieg
  4. Valse Triste - Sibelius
  5. Concerto in F Minor - Largo - Bach
  6. Serenade for String - Moderato - Dvorak
  7. Liebestraume - Liszt
  8. Ave Maria - Bach/Bounod
  9. Etude in E Major - Chopin
  10. String Quartet No 2 - Nocturne - Borodin
  11. Arabesque - Debussy
  12. Pavane for Dead Princess - Ravel
  13. The Four Seasons - Largo - Vivaldi
  14. Gymno0pedie 1 - Satie
  15. Moonlight Sonata - Adagio - Beethoven
  16. Piano Concerto No 21 - Andante - Mozart "Elvira Madigan"

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars the most relaxing classical music in the university.......2007-05-12

All my favorites. I can start the CD player, which is wired to speakers in every room of my house, and just let it play, along with "The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the World" and "The Most Relaxing Classical Guitar in the World." I enjoy an awareness of familiar and beautiful strains of my favorites all day long and never get tired of it.

My brother visited me recently and noticed it right away. That will be another order for this fabulour music.

5 out of 5 stars Relaxing Classical Music.......2007-01-08

I was not really a classical music fan but I am now. I purchased this cd for my 14 year old grand-daughter, not knowing we would both enjoy the music so much. She has always enjoyed classical music along with all of the other teen music, rap, rock, country, etc.
Also, it really helped being able to listen to parts of the music before purchasing.

2 out of 5 stars Stress-freedom.......2006-03-14

Perfect music to end the work day. After listening to this I can face the evening. If the morning is hard, a little at lunch time gets me through the afternoon.

5 out of 5 stars Greatly enjoy!.......2006-02-23

I first developed a taste for this music a number of years ago when my daughter started playing in the orchestra. The reason I made this purchase however, was because I have a great deal of difficulty with anxiety and I was looking for ways to find help. I love these CDs. It helps so much to sit and close my eyes and enjoy the music. The CDs are full of beautiful music.

5 out of 5 stars the most relaxing classical music in the universe.......2005-09-21

it's the best next to the first one...
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • something to have
  • Excellent Music
  • buy now
  • Lovely
  • Aesthetically Pleasing
 The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
  2. The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
  3. The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
  4. The Most Relaxing Jazz Music in the Universe
  5. The World's Favorite Piano Music

ASIN: B000059Q4Q
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

  1. II: Andante - Stephen Hough
  2. I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
  3. Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
  4. Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
  5. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
  6. II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
  7. Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
  8. Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
  9. Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
  10. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
  11. Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
  12. La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
  13. Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
  14. Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
  15. Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
  16. Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
  17. Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
  18. II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

  1. II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
  2. II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
  3. Aria - Maria Tipo
  4. II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
  5. Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
  6. Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
  7. II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
  8. An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
  9. Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
  10. II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
  11. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
  12. Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
  13. II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
  14. Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
  15. Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
  16. Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
  17. Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
  18. Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

5 out of 5 stars buy now.......2006-09-01

Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented? Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good. Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound. This is something you need to buy.

5 out of 5 stars Lovely.......2006-02-22

This is a beautiful calming cd. The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

5 out of 5 stars Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

I simply love piano music. If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album. If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Absolutely maddening
  • "Oddly ferocious attacks"
  • One for the ages.
  • A Life-Affirming Adventure
  • A wonder indeed
 A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)
Johann Sebastian Bach , Glenn Gould , and Tim Page
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Art of the Fugue - 70th Anniversary Edition
  2. The Glenn Gould Edition - Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I
  3. The Glenn Gould Edition - Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II
  4. French Suites - 70th Anniversary Edition
  5. Inventions & Sinfonias - 70th Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B00006FI7C
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Tracks:

  1. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria
  2. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 1
  3. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 2
  4. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 3. Canon On The Unison
  5. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 4
  6. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 5
  7. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 6. Canon On The Second
  8. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 7
  9. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 8
  10. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 9. Canon On The Third
  11. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 10. Fughetta
  12. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 11
  13. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 12. Canon On The Fourth
  14. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 13
  15. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 14
  16. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 15. Canon On The Fifth
  17. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 16. Overture
  18. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 17
  19. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 18. Canon On The Sixth
  20. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 19
  21. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 20
  22. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 21. Canon On The Seventh
  23. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 22. Alla Breve
  24. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 23
  25. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 24. Canon On The Octave
  26. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 25
  27. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 26
  28. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 27. Canon On The Ninth
  29. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 28
  30. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 29
  31. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 30. Quodlibet
  32. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria Da Capo

Tracks:

  1. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria
  2. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 1
  3. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 2
  4. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 3. Canon On The Unison
  5. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 4
  6. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 5
  7. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 6. Canon On The Second
  8. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 7
  9. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 8
  10. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 9. Canon On The Third
  11. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 10. Fughetta
  12. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 11
  13. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 12. Canon On The Fourth
  14. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 13
  15. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 14
  16. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 15. Canon On The Fifth
  17. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 16. Overture
  18. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 17
  19. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 18. Canon On The Sixth
  20. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 19
  21. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 20
  22. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 21. Canon On The Seventh
  23. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 22. Alla Breve
  24. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 23
  25. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 24. Canon On The Octave
  26. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 25
  27. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 26
  28. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 27. Canon On The Ninth
  29. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 28
  30. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 29
  31. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 30. Quodlibet
  32. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria Da Capo

Tracks:

  1. Glen Gould Discusses His Peformances Of The Goldberg Variations With Time Page, August 22, 1982, Toronto, Canada
  2. Studio Outtakes From The 1955 Goldberg Variations Recording Session

Amazon.com

Glenn Gould's recording debut in 1955 of Bach's Goldberg Variations took the world by storm. His decidedly un-Romantic view, absolute technical skill, startling lucidity, and right-on rhythmic changes, combined with his eccentricities--audible humming, sometimes outrageously fast tempi--made him an instantly legendary pianist and elucidated Bach's music in a whole new way. Gould's final recording, 26 years later, was also of the Goldbergs. It's a more relaxed, sometimes much slower, more inward reading (although still very much his own, complete with oddly ferocious attacks and accents), in which he offers repeats of the first half of 15 of the Variations. Both performances are glorious, each in its own way, and this luxurious new set of three CDs is entertaining, a joy to hear, and revelatory; it belongs in any music lover's collection. The third CD is devoted to outtakes and chatter from recording sessions. At one point, Gould improvises "God Save the King" and exhibits how it turns into "The Star-Spangled Banner." And a long interview with critic Tim Page offers great insight into Gould's weird humor and unique outlook. A must-have collection. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Absolutely maddening.......2007-07-10

Imagine going to live piano recital. The music is gorgeous, you're really getting into it - and the person next to you starts humming along. You try to block it out, but the more you do, the more conscious of it you become. It becomes all you can hear, and suddenly the performance is just background noise to the humming. That's my experience with these CDs, the 1981 version more so than the 1955. Perhaps the humming's not so prominent when played on a proper stereo system, but listening on my PC with a pair of headphones, the humming is all I hear, and it's absolutely maddening. I can deal with the hiss, but the infernal humming is just too much for my mere mortal concentration. It may be the most amazing performance of anything ever, but if you can't listen to it, does it matter?

1 out of 5 stars "Oddly ferocious attacks".......2007-05-08

My title comes from the editorial review above. Why such attacks? Bach wrote the Goldberg Variations for a harpsichord with two registers (two keyboards). Until Wanda Ladowska revived them in the 1930s, on a "pian-arpsichord" built specially for her, they were considered unplayable on piano. That opinion was correct, like it or not. The contrasts of register, intrinsic to the music, CANNOT be rendered intelligently merely by hammering ornaments and dancing on the pedals. Some pianists, however, come closer to making decent music of the Goldbergs by subduing their egos and letting the delicacy of the counterpoint be heard. There may be a case for playing Bach's other harpsichord solo works on piano -- Richard Goode does a decent job, for instance -- but the Goldberg Variations belong on harpsichord only forevermore.

5 out of 5 stars One for the ages........2007-02-14

To be a sonic witness to this music is a real treat. Gould's approach both times is so personal and probing. What is really satisfying is how the 1981 recording is not just a rehash of 1955. Each era has it's own unique and distinct personality. This is a "must" in your musical collection.

5 out of 5 stars A Life-Affirming Adventure.......2007-01-06

If you are new to Bach and Gould, "A State of Wonder" offers you a life-affirming adventure. This 3-disc package includes Glenn Gould's 1955 recording of the Goldberg Variations, with raw exuberance and breakneck speed. Disc 2 contains his 1981 reinterpretation, and this music has never sounded more divinely beautiful to this perpetual Bach student. Disc 3 is icing on the cake, featuring Gould's professorial zeal and musical logic (also lame but endearing humor). If you love the Goldberg--and I passionately hope you will--then curiosity will lead you to superb piano versions by Andras Schiff and Murray Perahia, and Wanda Landowska on the harpsichord. For further Bachian "wonder," Artur Schnabel's recording of the Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue is awesome. Gould's Bach, however, remains my favorite. As for the brouhaha about his sometimes audible humming, I love it: Glenn lives!

5 out of 5 stars A wonder indeed.......2006-08-29

When I first bought this CD I was a bit disappointed with Gould's humming (it mainly affects the 1981 version). I was irritated by it especially knowing that Gould was a kind of a music purist. Whether you like it or not, this "singing along" is really a blunder.

Nevertheless, after listening to both the 1955 and the 1981 versions quite a number of times I think that they both are masterpieces.

Gould's music always makes sense and, especially the 1981 version, sounds like a complete, cohesive piece. Other pianists do not seem to understand Bach's music as Gould did. Everyone of the tracks in these CDs is the product of pure genious.

I think sooner or later someone will release a 1981 version without the humming and then it will be truly a 6 star performance.
Essential Bach
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • so amazing
  • Essential Bach is OK
  • Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music
  • Exquisite Essential Bach
  • Good
 Essential Bach

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004SPLF
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

  1. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor: Toccata in D minor
  2. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major: Air
  3. Prelude in C major
  4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major: Allegro
  5. Goldberg Variations: Aria
  6. Sleepers Awake: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
  7. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: I Allegro moderato
  8. Jesu, joy of man's desiring
  9. Keyboard Concerto No.4: Allegro: I Allegro
  10. Cello Suite No.3: Bourees I & II: Bourrees I And II
  11. Concerto for Oboe & Violin In C Minor: Adagio
  12. Mass In B minor: Crucifixus
  13. Cello Suite No.1 in G Major: Praeludium
  14. French Suite No.5 in G major: Gigue
  15. Prelude in D Minor
  16. Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major: III Allegro
  17. Matthaus-Passion: St Matthew Passion

Tracks:

  1. Brandenberg Concerto No.2 In F Major: I Allegro
  2. Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II Largo, ma non tanto
  3. Lute Suite In E Major: Prelude
  4. Cantata: Sheep may safely graze
  5. Cello Sonata In G Minor: II Adagio (excerpt)
  6. Italian Concerto In F Major: II Allegro
  7. Weihnachtsoratorium: Pastoral sinfonia
  8. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: II Andante
  9. Partita No.1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
  10. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Menuet
  11. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Badinerie
  12. Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano
  13. Brandenberg Concerto No.3 In G Major: I Allegro
  14. Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Allemande
  15. Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Gigue
  16. Keyboard Concerto No.2 In E Major: I Allegro (excerpt)
  17. Cantata: Sanctify us by thy goodness
  18. Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II Largo
  19. Concerto In A Minor: I Allegro

Amazon.com

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars so amazing .......2006-06-14

I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

3 out of 5 stars Essential Bach is OK.......2005-09-29

This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music.......2005-03-18

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set. I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much. My toddler likes it too. I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.

5 out of 5 stars Exquisite Essential Bach.......2005-02-01

Value and exquisite sampler of Bach on two CD's at an affordable price. Recorded by the likes primarily of Academy of the St. Martin-in-the-fields, Chicago Sympony, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra and with virtuoso performers as William Bennett, Heinz Hollinger, Pepe Romero, and Wolfgang Rubsam, one gets treated to wonderful Bach exerpts of all his fantastic breath and depth of chamber, symphony and choral works.

One will have to go to other places to find background on these marvelous compositions as the liner notes only list perfomer and date recorded.

5 out of 5 stars Good.......2004-07-13

This is a good album but for information on real choral music visit www.freewebs.com/bachster67/
Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • lovely music, but . . . . .
  • Anna Magdalena Notebook-- a treasure trove of Baroque music
  • Music for Bach's Katy
  • Charming and beautiful
  • Bach's wifes' collection of her favorite pieces
 Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan
Lorraine Hunt , and Nicholas McGegan
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Classical Express
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000056F7M
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

  1. Allemande
  2. Courante
  3. Sarabande
  4. Minuet I & II
  5. Gigue
  6. Aria: 'Bist Du Bei Mir', BWV 508 Stl - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
  7. Aria: 'Willst Du Mein Herz Mir Schenken', BWV 518 - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
  8. Solo Per Il Cembalo
  9. Polonaise In G Minor
  10. March In D Major
  11. March In E Flat Major
  12. Rondeau In B Flat Major
  13. Chorale: 'Wer Nur Den Lieben Gott Lasst Walten', BWV 691
  14. 'Goldberg' Variations: Aria, BWV 988
  15. Recitative: 'Ich Habe Genug', BWV 82 - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
  16. Aria: 'Schlummert Ein', BWV 82 - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
  17. Aria: 'Gedenke Doch, Mein Geist', BWV 509 - Lorraine Hung Lieberson
  18. Allemande
  19. Courante
  20. Sarabande
  21. Prelude No. 1 In C Major, BWV 846
  22. Polonaise In G Major
  23. Polonaise In D Minor
  24. Polonaise In G Minor
  25. Polonaise In F Major
  26. Two Minuets
  27. Musette In A Major
  28. 'Menuet Fait Par M. Bohm'
  29. Minuet In G Major

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars lovely music, but . . . . ........2007-07-03

No one doubts that Bach's music is beautiful, and so many of the pieces in this album, favorites of his second wife, are lovely. Here are my objection. First of all, nowhere on the outside of this CD does this indicate that these are only *highlights* of the Anna Magdelena notebook. Furthermore, many of the tracks (from French Suites #1 & #2, from the Well-Tempered Clavier, from the Goldberg Variations) are pieces I already own in high quality recording by virtuosi. This CD does not limit itself, say, to pieces that Bach composed originally for this collection; in other words, there is nothing scholarly about the pieces that were chosen for these highlights. Rather, it is essentially selling a "Bach's Greatest Hits" kind of CD under a more respectable name. For those whose classical collections consist primarily of "Greatest Hits" collections of various composers, you might as well toss in this CD. For the discriminating collector, though, interested in collecting serious works by Bach, this CD is entirely unworthy.

5 out of 5 stars Anna Magdalena Notebook-- a treasure trove of Baroque music.......2006-03-20

This is music for contemplating number and time and not realize you are doing that. These pieces from Anna Magdalena Bach's notebook are a significant part of the history of western culture, and the music is brilliant, lucid, and passionate. Just as, I suppose, Bach's wife was. Played on harpsichord and clavichord, the work-- not all by Bach-- seems rigourously, mysteriously modern, and the anonymous "Musette in A Major" one could even say had in it the roots of ragtime piano. Last but not least, it's quite possible that Lorraine Hunt Lieberson can never be less than sublime.

5 out of 5 stars Music for Bach's Katy.......2005-03-31

Luther had his Katy who supported him and the Reformation magnificently and faithfully. Bach who was real student and follower of Luther's, had his second wife, Anna Magdalena who was so much for him and his family and music.

Here great notebook of the music she enjoyed immensely so we can as well.

Especially fond of harpsichord music, this has marvelous selection of that, but fond of Rondeau in B-flat major. Minuet in G major is one of my favorites. New to me are the Arias, especially "Bist du bei mir" and ""Ich habe genug". If you're not conversant in German, do go on the website the liner notes provides and get the translation in English for these are marvelous testimonies of their faith in words and song.

5 out of 5 stars Charming and beautiful.......2004-12-13

This CD is a collection of music from the notebook of Bach's wife, who was a singer. It includes dances, arias and other favorite songs. Most of the pieces range from peppy little dance tunes(like Musette in A Major) to delicate baroque airs (like Prelude no.1), all played on the harpsichord, clavichord or cello. The pieces that really stand out are the arias, sung beautifully by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson in German. Most are religious, but there is one that is a nice love song "Willst du mein Herz mir schenken." The website on the back of the liner notes has the lyrics for the arias and they are worth reading. Besides the fact that this is good music, it also provides interesting insight into Bach's life and family and the liner notes have some interesting information about Anna and her notebook. This is a charming collection of music that is a great and cheap addition to any classical music collection.

5 out of 5 stars Bach's wifes' collection of her favorite pieces.......2001-06-10

Yes Music of JS Bach chosen by his wife who was a singer. This collection is a lovely and beautifully performed collection of harpicord and intimate pieces that were Anna's most cherished favorites composed by her husband. What a lovely addition to any chamber music lovers collection. It affords not only wonderful selections but a rare window into the behind the scenes aspect of Bachs life and the commanding role music played in his and his family's life. The performances range from delicate to sublime and are beautifully recorded. It is an amazing bargin to have such an esoteric collection of Bachs' work so well done and so cheap. My god run and get the whole series; I have and when I want a perfect day I just pile them in my CD and press the forward button. The result is a day of glorious music on a scale to be both background as well as a breathtakingly elegant listening experience.
Simply Baroque
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Simply the Best
 Simply Baroque

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000CD5G9
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

  1. Sei Lob Und Preis Mit Ehren
  2. Erbarme Dich
  3. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  4. Ertot' Uns Durch Dein' Gute
  5. Ich Ruf' Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ
  6. Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel Herunter
  7. Lab Mein Herz Die Munze Sein
  8. Dein Blut, Der Edle Saft
  9. 'Air On A G String'
  10. Cello Concerto In G Major
  11. Cello Concerto In G Major
  12. Cello Concerto In G Major
  13. Cello Concerto In D Major
  14. Cello Concerto In D Major
  15. Cello Concerto In D Major
  16. Cello Concerto In D Major
  17. Was Gott Tut, Das Ist Wohlgetan
  18. Aria From Goldberg Variations
  19. Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Simply the Best.......2005-05-31

I can only say, that as far as I am concerned, this is just some of the best music I have ever heard.... Im guessing this is the way Bach intended his music to sound in the first place, and who better for that than the AMO and Koopman...and of course YO YO... if u love classic music, you are absolutly going to LOVE this cd..I highly recommend it
Baby Bach
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Relaxing music for baby's bedtime
  • Baby loves this music!
  • yikes! would say any lover of classical music
  • ANOTHER FANTASTIC CD
  • Excellent CD
 Baby Bach
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000065VBH
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Product Description

Tracks from this delightful music CD are featured on Baby Einstein's Baby Bach video. The Baby Bach music CD is a 17-track, 28-minute musical excursion through some of Johann Sebastian Bach's most memorable scores. Recipient of the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval, the Baby Bach music CD has been re-orchestrated for little ears to help your child discover the melody and harmonic movements of Bach's best-known compositions.Musical Selections:1. Minuet in G from the Anna Magdalena Notebooks2. Flute Sonata in Eb, 3rd movement, BWV 10313. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, 3rd movement, BWV 10474. Orchestral Suite No. 4, Rejouissance, BWV 10695. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, 1st movement, BWV 10496. Flute Sonata in Eb, 1st movement, BWV 10317. Toccata in D, BWV 565 (excerpt)8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, 3rd movement, BWV 10509. Orchestral Suite No. 2, Badinerie, BWV 106910. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, BWV 14711. Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D, Air, BWV 106812. 2-Part Invention, No. 1, BWV 77213. Goldberg Variations, No. 1, BWV 98814. Goldberg Variations, No. 4, BWV 98815. Goldberg Variations, No. 30, BWV 98816. Goldberg Variations, Canons, BWV 98817. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, 3rd movement, BWV 1047 Age: birth +Award: Billboard Magazine Top Midline Classical Albums (#3) - 2004

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Relaxing music for baby's bedtime.......2007-04-27

While I do want my baby to listen to Bach's music played with "real" instruments in an authentic style (which Baby Bach is NOT), Baby Bach is a very sweet, soothing selection of music. My newborn son and I both find this music very relaxing and it works like a charm to calm him down at bedtime! I would recommend this CD to any parent looking for new music to add to a baby's or young child's bedtime routine.

5 out of 5 stars Baby loves this music!.......2007-02-17

Puts our 6-week old daughter to sleep. What more could you ask for!

1 out of 5 stars yikes! would say any lover of classical music.......2007-01-05

The baby einstein series of music CDs is the equivalent of muzack for babies- horror to the ears!
I don't think babies need their music dumbed down to that degree.
Anyway, for the parent it's awful to hear. The beauty inherent in the muusic is completely lost, and replaced with whistles, goofy chimes, and plastic pianos. Absolutely horrible.

5 out of 5 stars ANOTHER FANTASTIC CD.......2006-04-25

This cd absolutely calms my newborn - and I like the music also. Everyone with children should have this cd.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent CD.......2005-10-12

Loved the CD, same music as on the DVD which my 20-month-old grandson loves. Falls asleep at night with the CD on, and I leave it on all night to soothe him if he wakes. Great puchase, worth the money!
Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (The Historic 1955 Debut Recording)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Scintillating Performance!
  • Astounding performance - opening the doors to Bach!
  • A State of Wonder, Indeed.
  • The Marlon Brando of piano!
  • Easily one of the top 5 Classical CD's of All Time
 Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (The Historic 1955 Debut Recording)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000028NE
Release Date: 1992-10-27

Tracks:

  1. Goldberg Variations: Aria
  2. Goldberg Variations: Variation 1
  3. Goldberg Variations: Variation 2
  4. Goldberg Variations: Variation 3
  5. Goldberg Variations: Variation 4
  6. Goldberg Variations: Variation 5
  7. Goldberg Variations: Variation 6
  8. Goldberg Variations: Variation 7
  9. Goldberg Variations: Variation 8
  10. Goldberg Variations: Variation 9
  11. Goldberg Variations: Variation 10
  12. Goldberg Variations: Variation 11
  13. Goldberg Variations: Variation 12
  14. Goldberg Variations: Variation 13
  15. Goldberg Variations: Variation 14
  16. Goldberg Variations: Variation 15
  17. Goldberg Variations: Variation 16
  18. Goldberg Variations: Variation 17
  19. Goldberg Variations: Variation 18
  20. Goldberg Variations: Variation 19
  21. Goldberg Variations: Variation 20
  22. Goldberg Variations: Variation 21
  23. Goldberg Variations: Variation 22
  24. Goldberg Variations: Variation 23
  25. Goldberg Variations: Variation 24
  26. Goldberg Variations: Variation 25
  27. Goldberg Variations: Variation 26
  28. Goldberg Variations: Variation 27
  29. Goldberg Variations: Variation 28
  30. Goldberg Variations: Variation 29
  31. Goldberg Variations: Variation 30
  32. Goldberg Variations: Aria da capo
  33. Fugue In F-Sharp Minor
  34. Fugue In E Major

Amazon.com

In the main, sonic differences between Sony Classical's 20-bit remastering of this landmark 1955 recording and its previous incarnation in the CBS Great Performances series (CBS MYK 38479) are subtle rather than striking. Tape hiss is reduced, while ambient studio noise is heightened, bringing Glenn Gould's trademark humming and squeaky chair more into the foreground. One can also perceive slight changes in microphone setups between certain variations. Gould completists, however, will want this Glenn Gould Edition transfer for two fugues recorded in 1957, drastically different from the pianist's perverse remakes 13 years later for his complete Well Tempered Clavier Book II. Any respectable piano collection, however, should include Gould's debut Goldbergs, at any price. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Scintillating Performance!.......2007-06-19

Glenn Gould's quintessential 1955 performance of the Goldberg Variations is an absolute "must have" for every classical music library. His marvelous precision and alacrity are breath-taking! Gorgeous music.

5 out of 5 stars Astounding performance - opening the doors to Bach!.......2007-04-18

Before the first time I heard Gould's first rendition of the Goldberg Variations, I used to think the music by Johann Sebastian Bach was too dry and intellectual and boring for my tastes (that was before discovering the excellent period-instrument performances) - but the lightning-fast, emotive, astounding rendition recorded by Gould made me reconsider that opinion. Yes, we hear his intrusive humming and the squeaking of the chair and such - that many consider a turn-off regarding Gould recordings - but I think they are part of the charm of the performance, and I don't find them distracting at all.

I really prefer this version instead of the second Golberg recording, more calm and controlled. If you never heard any music from Bach, this is the recording to begin with, I think.

5 out of 5 stars A State of Wonder, Indeed........2006-04-09

There are three people who are responsible for the "resurrection" of the Goldberg variations, at least as far as the general publicis concerned: Wanda Landoska, Rosalyn Tureck, and Glenn Gould. Without them, the Goldberg Variations certainly would not get the attention they do, and may have ended up a curiosity music students discover on budget labels by performers seeking overblown and romantic interpetations or sterile "period correct" (in other words, uninformed) performances that leave listeners yawning. Instead, thanks to those three, the Goldberg is as well know even to the casual music listener as Beethoven's Pathetique or Mozart's Rondo a la Turka are.

Now, I certainly believe that Landowska's rendition is the most well informed, and even the most revolutionary in terms of true period correctness (she was the first to record it for the harpsichord and with correct baroque ornamentation), and she had a musicality that made the listener believe they were listening to an orchestra instead of just a single keyboardist. Tureck's interpretation is so dancelike and pleasant. It sounds so free and happy, I get the image that there are dancers on the keys of her piano. She was really the one that showed that the Goldberg Variations could be performed on a piano without reverting to the overly romanticized versions that had dominated up to that time.

It was Landowska and Tureck two that allowed for what is arguably the most famous interpretation of the Goldbergs: Glenn Gould's 1955 recording. Inspired by Landowska's passion for early music done right, and Tureck's justified piano performance that stood out head and shoulders above the others, Gould combined the best elements of the two and added his own rhythmic and dynamic perfection to create a masterpiece of a recording. His tempi were (in general) nearly twice as fast as most performers', indeed as his own 1981 recording, which, in places, I prefer (refer to variations 1,5,10,14,16, and 29), yet he is always in control and never sounds like he's straining to get to the next note. His staccato and light touch give it wonderful bell-like clarity, and it's the closest you'll get to a harpsichord recording on a piano. Yes, his 1981 recording is more mature, but it's a difference in interpretation than technical prowess, and I think the choice between the two comes down to mood, and even, as mentioned above, to the individual variations.

This recording was his first studio recording, presenting all the fire and passion of a twenty three year old showing the world that he's got something to prove. An odd choice for a first recording, most pianists would probably be forced into some half-hearted renditions of Chopin or Mozart, but Gould knew what he was doing. He must have known that the time was right for a Bach interpretation that paid homage to the greatness achieved in the past as well as one that strode confidently into the future, a future where (in a philosophy like Landowska's) old music was no longer quaint but revered and modern music didn't seek to "revolutionize" but instead sought to build upon. This was an increasingly prevalent attitude in the 1950's and 1960's thanks to people like Landowska, Harnoncourt, and, of course, Gould. We can see this philosophy in Durufle, De Falla (one of the first twentieth century composers to write for the harpsichord), and later Stravinsky. Gould's Goldbergs played no small part in Baroque's new birth. Do yourself a favor and get both of Gould's Goldbergs, Wanda Landowska's Goldbergs, and perhaps Koroliov's Goldbergs or Tatiana Nikolayeva's Goldbergs. You'll be quite glad you did.

5 out of 5 stars The Marlon Brando of piano!.......2006-02-17

These Goldberg formally inaugurated the auspicious debut of this well famed pianist. Until that time Bach was played with such impeccable austerity and intellectuality that literally became a shock to listen a very young man -23- challenging all the musical conventionalisms and old precepts which turned around the conceptual steadiness and serious formalism at the moment to play Bach at the piano.

Gould made an incisive breakthrough and showed that the formality and the Dionysian spirit may habit together, without those bitter presumptions or austere poses.

He impregnated the Goldberg variations with Mediterranean jubilee, effusiveness and radiant greenness. And this posture influenced a whole generation in all fields.

So those Goldberg carry on its own trademark. A historical reference by all accounts.

Indispensable collection piece.

5 out of 5 stars Easily one of the top 5 Classical CD's of All Time.......2006-01-23

This CD is arguably one of the best classical recordings ever, period. One single piano playing Bach's Goldberg Variations. The other reviewer hit it right on the head when he said it does not get any better than this. I cannot do this recording justice with words, so simply purchase it immediately.

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