Customer Reviews

Bach: Goldberg Variations

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Goldberg Variations are J.S. Bach's longest and technically most demanding keyboard work. And perhaps his most beautiful. The transparent and lively performance by Mr. Koopman attests to the greatness of this work. Having listened to some other performances of the variations, both on piano and on harpsichord, I prefer this one. It may be the best available, and at a reasonable price.

This recording is typically of Koopman's style: the performance is crisp and clear cut. There's a minor drawback with this interpretation. It will never make you sleepy, although the original motivation of the piece was to cure Count Goldberg's insomnia :-)

I've followed all of Ton Koopman's recordings of Bach's keyboard music with interest and now own most of them. I had fond memories of hearing this CD when it was released and my impressions of it then were not wrong. This is a coherent performance that is shapely, spritely and plangent by turns and never loses sight of the forward momentum. Koopman's extravagant ornamentation and tempi lend a improvisatory air to this recording that keeps the music fresh after repeated hearings. If you need a recording of the Goldberg Variations, look no further than this one.

This has to be considered the definitive recording of the "Goldberg Variations" on harpsichord. Koopman's sweeping gestures and often extravagant ornamentation complement his sometimes extreme tempi, resulting in a seamlessly constructed performance. This disc is an excellent introduction to period performance of Bach's keyboard works for those who are used to hearing them on piano, and will represent the epitome of stylistic integrity and musical brilliance for those familiar with the style.

This is the finest example of the Goldberg Variations I've ever heard, played on the harpsichord in it's original, intended form. I recommend it to all who only have a small, keen interest in Bach and his works. For the Bach lover, it's a must.