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Track Listings
| 1. "Goldberg Variations, BWV 988" | |||
| 2. Aria | |||
| 3. Variation 1 a 1 Clav. | |||
| 4. Variation 2 a 1 Clav. | |||
| 5. Variation 3 a 1 Clav. Canone all'Unisono | |||
| 6. Variation 4 a 1 Clav. | |||
| 7. Variation 5 a 1 ovvero 2 Clav. | |||
| 8. Variation 6 a 1 Clav. Canone alla Seconda | |||
| 9. Variation 7 a 1 ovvero 2 Clav. | |||
| 10. Variation 8 a 2 Clav. | |||
| 11. Variation 9 a 1 Clav. Canone alla Terza | |||
| 12. Variation 10 a 1 Clav. Fughetta | |||
| 13. Variation 11 a 2 Clav. | |||
| 14. Variation 12 Canone alla Quarta | |||
| 15. Variation 13 a 2 Clav. | |||
| 16. Variation 14 a 2 Clav. | |||
| 17. Variation 15 a 1 Clav. Canone alla Quinta. Andante | |||
| 18. Variation 16 a 1 Clav. Overture | |||
| 19. Variation 17 a 2 Clav. | |||
| 20. Variation 18 a 1 Clav. Canone alla Sesta | |||
See all 34 tracks on this disc
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love Bach's music, and generally insist on two things; firstly, that it is played a little slower than we are generally served it; and secondly that it is played on the instruments it was written for. When I first heard Glenn Gould's 1981 recording, I realised how ridiculous that second requirement was, and how important that first requirement was. The music on this album just swept me away. There is no other recording of the Goldberg Variations that I've listened to that even comes close to it.
The technical mastery of Gould goes without saying, but what really struck me with this recording was the spirit with which this music is played - the feeling which Gould breathes into the work. This is most evident in the slower pieces, particularly the opening Aria, which take you on a journey of the most exquisite emotions. In almost every variation, Gould picks you up and takes you where he is going with it.
I lack the words to describe it - words ike "subliminal", "instropective" come to mind, and above all "human". Bach can be played very mechanically, but not here. Complimented by Gould's ghostly humming, occasionally rising to the level of audibility, Aria, and Canone della Quinta sound like they come straight from the soul. This music lifts you into another world.
Not once does he use the pedals.
This is just mind-blowing - buy it!
The technical mastery of Gould goes without saying, but what really struck me with this recording was the spirit with which this music is played - the feeling which Gould breathes into the work. This is most evident in the slower pieces, particularly the opening Aria, which take you on a journey of the most exquisite emotions. In almost every variation, Gould picks you up and takes you where he is going with it.
I lack the words to describe it - words ike "subliminal", "instropective" come to mind, and above all "human". Bach can be played very mechanically, but not here. Complimented by Gould's ghostly humming, occasionally rising to the level of audibility, Aria, and Canone della Quinta sound like they come straight from the soul. This music lifts you into another world.
Not once does he use the pedals.
This is just mind-blowing - buy it!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Every time I listen to this recording, it never fails to fill me with a sense of awe, and I can not help thinking that the fate had ordained that the recording itself became the concluding aria to his short yet fulfilled life. It will remain as the pinnacle of art of piano playing as long as mankind lives on this planet.
Gavrilov tried to out do this performance (in fact he plays some variations even faster), but does not come even close in terms of technical ease and the transcendental quality of the music making. I will strongly recommend the DVD of this amazing recording too. This performance must be watched as well as listened to, to be fully appreciated Glenn Gould - The Goldberg Variations [1981].
Gavrilov tried to out do this performance (in fact he plays some variations even faster), but does not come even close in terms of technical ease and the transcendental quality of the music making. I will strongly recommend the DVD of this amazing recording too. This performance must be watched as well as listened to, to be fully appreciated Glenn Gould - The Goldberg Variations [1981].
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I feel compelled to write this review as I think it is slightly unfair to give a one-star review based on his constant humming.
I think the first thing to say is that the Goldberg Variations is a fantastic piece of music, and is pretty much infallable as far as music goes. Goulds playing achives a great depth and variety of tone, whilst maintaining a strong sence of clarity that lets all of Bach's lines sing through, I think Gould has achieved something mind-blowing here!
Whilst at first one could find the performance marred by his constant humming, and it is prevelant, especially when listening on headphones, it is worth listening past. I think it provides a unique insight into how he is shaping the music that we don't often hear. To be honest I find myself humming along (no doubt somewhat encouraged) and its interesting to see where I differ from Gould. I think that without the humming his peformance wouldn't shine as much as it does. There is a reason why it's a favorite on desert island disks!
All in all an amazing CD, at an amazing price!
I think the first thing to say is that the Goldberg Variations is a fantastic piece of music, and is pretty much infallable as far as music goes. Goulds playing achives a great depth and variety of tone, whilst maintaining a strong sence of clarity that lets all of Bach's lines sing through, I think Gould has achieved something mind-blowing here!
Whilst at first one could find the performance marred by his constant humming, and it is prevelant, especially when listening on headphones, it is worth listening past. I think it provides a unique insight into how he is shaping the music that we don't often hear. To be honest I find myself humming along (no doubt somewhat encouraged) and its interesting to see where I differ from Gould. I think that without the humming his peformance wouldn't shine as much as it does. There is a reason why it's a favorite on desert island disks!
All in all an amazing CD, at an amazing price!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Hum Hum Hum Hum Hum
I love the Goldberg Variations, and, yes, this is an extraordinary performance, but I simply have to add my voice to the Humming Debate. Read more
Published 6 months ago by DTH
Seminal recording
As brilliant and perfect an interpretation as is ever likely to be performed. Not only is the music in itself the ultimate for the style, but the musical expression is second to... Read more
Published 17 months ago by TimB
Iconic
Yes, I know that Gould 'tinkered' with the recording process - in fact, he used the studio as an artistic tool in itself. Read more
Published 18 months ago by AbsoluteClassical
Essential Bach
Whatever one's thoughts about Gould as an odd Canadian eccentric, there simply is no better guide to the keyboard pieces by Bach. Read more
Published on 30 April 2010 by Mr. Raymond L. Hall
Wonderful
I came across the Goldberg Variations when listening to a Radio 4 programme. Since then i've hardly turned it off. Read more
Published on 25 April 2010 by P. Merritt
Great playing, awful singing!
Some reviewers don't seem to mind Gould's tuneless humming. Can't agree, performance ruined. Makes Keith Jarret seem like a mute!
Published on 15 Mar 2010 by Ken Ferguson
An extraordinary experience
This incredible performance of Bach's keyboard masterpiece should be required listening for all who are interested in the development of pianism and all who enjoy great playing. Read more
Published on 1 Dec 2009 by Mr Swallow
Superb
Unless you listen to this CD on headphones, you should be able to ignore the slight remnants of trademark Gould humming in the background. Read more
Published on 14 July 2009 by maximus
Magical
Glenn Gould is simply the master of this set, and in my opinion, this is the greatest recording ever made, even the 1955 doesnt come close. Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2008 by OK13
Humming Nightmare
Gould's Humming is the most annoying thing. I will never listen to this CD again, although Gould is clearly a master of the instrument.
Published on 9 Dec 2007 by Alan
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