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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0696998770324 Label: Sony Manufacturer: Sony Number Of Discs: 3 Publisher: Sony Release Date: September 03, 2002 Studio: Sony Sales Rank: 1167 MPN: 87703
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
Average Rating:
Rating: - Really, so NO ONE in 1981 realized the analog tapes sounder better?
Most of us may remember the "perfect music forever" marketing that introduced CDs 25 years ago... those of us with working ears pretty quickly dismissed it for the hype it was... I've got both the '55 ... Read More
Rating: - No reason for this review, unless you listen to rock
Well, after such reviews, what more is there to say? Except, don't get distracted or annoyed by Gould's humming along, that was a standard feature of his playing, he always hummed along, and it's part ... Read More
Rating: - A State of Wonder
Having the two very different recordings in one package has been an invaluable aid to my own attempts at playing the Goldberg Variations. Personally, I prefer Gould's 1981 performance with his more unified ... Read More
Rating: - HANDS DOWN, THE BEST THERE IS!
Having listened to the 'Goldbergs' over many thousands of times through the years with various artists, I still keep coming back to Glenn Gould's recordings as the very best that has ever been produced and the ... Read More
Rating: - Amazing playing but
Glenn Gould has mastered the Bach, Goldberg Variations with out a question of doubt. His playing and style is absolutely amazing. The part that spoils the whole thing for me is when he starts humming. If you listen ... Read More
- Really, so NO ONE in 1981 realized the analog tapes sounder better?
- Amazing playing but