Bach - Goldberg Variations (1981)

Product Details

Binding : Audio CD
EAN : 5099751748021
Label : Sony Classical
Number of Discs : 1
Product Group : Music
Release Date : 2004-07-26

ASIN : B0002ISFRU

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Customer Reviews

Yes he humms, but thats not a bad thing! (2008-08-28)

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!

Magical (2008-08-09)

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.its not the velocity of the recording that makes it magical, but rather the passion with which the music is performed.and no, gould's voice doesnt bother me at all, in fact, it adds to the uniqueness of the recording.

Humming Nightmare (2007-12-09)

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.

Marred by Gould's humming (2007-10-09)

A great performance marred by Gould's constant humming, which, if you are listening on headphones is really intrusive and, in my opinion, deeply annoying. I know that there are those who don't mind Gould's humming, however, I thought people should be aware of this.

This work cannot be summarised with a "tagline" (2007-03-22)

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!

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