Title : A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)
Author : Bach, Johann Sebastian
Release Date : 20020903
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $19.98
Amazon.com Price : $14.99
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Editorial Reviews : 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.
Buyer Reviews : Eccentric Canadian pianist made his mark on the classical music world with his groundbreaking 1955 recording of Bach's 'Goldberg Variations.' Twenty-six years later, he recorded another landmark version of the classic piece. These two recordings are now available together with a third 'bonus disc.'
Gould's performances are nothing short of stunning. There is a vast difference between the two -- the most obvious being that the later version is much slower and more expressive -- but they are both beautiful, moving recordings.
The bonus disc is almost worth the price of the whole thing! It consists mainly of a 1982 interview with Gould conducted by noted music critic Tim Page. Gould is funny, insightful, a bit self-deprecating, and even a little catty (he isn't crazy about, among other things, minimalism and Mozart). The interview is a pure joy and is the bonus disc is capped off with outtakes from the original 1955 'Goldberg' session.
Beautiful music, a piece of history, and all at a very reasonable price.
