Bach: Goldberg Variations

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), András Schiff (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: András Schiff
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (October 20, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B00000DBVP
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #622,070 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Goldberg Variations, for keyboard (Clavier-Übung IV), BWV 988 (BC L9): 1. Aria - Variations 1 - 5

2. Goldberg Variations, for keyboard (Clavier-Übung IV), BWV 988 (BC L9): 2. Variations 6 - 10

3. Goldberg Variations, for keyboard (Clavier-Übung IV), BWV 988 (BC L9): 3. Variations 11 - 15

4. Goldberg Variations, for keyboard (Clavier-Übung IV), BWV 988 (BC L9): 4. Variations 16 - 20

5. Goldberg Variations, for keyboard (Clavier-Übung IV), BWV 988 (BC L9): 5. Variations 21- 25

6. Goldberg Variations, for keyboard (Clavier-Übung IV), BWV 988 (BC L9): 6. Variations 26 - 30 - Aria

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous but Romantic, October 5, 2003

By 

R. Albin (Ann Arbor, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bach: Goldberg Variations (Audio CD)

This is a truly lovely recording of one of Bach's greatest compositions. Schiff's playing is superb. Why only 4 stars? As commented by other reviewers, this is something of a Romantic version of Bach. This is certainly a legitimate approach and I have to say that I listen to this recording over and over again. Still, if one were going to buy one recording of the Goldberg Variations, I'd recommend buying a more Baroque interpretation. If you want two or more recordings, I recommend this one strongly.

14 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Far superior to Gould, June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bach: Goldberg Variations (Audio CD)

Schiff has extraordinary sensitivity to the wonderful nuances of the primary theme. The variations are each fresh, necessary, logical, and exciting. I can't imagine them any other way after hearing this definitive performance. I have listened to many other performers attempt the Goldberg variations, and this is the best by far. (Gould, just to name one, is too ponderous and overwrought. Not to mention his annoying humming and tuneless singing.) Even if you already own a version, treat yourself to this one.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unsure about Penguin...., August 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bach: Goldberg Variations (Audio CD)

I'm rather unsure about Penguin's chosen version of Schiff's playing of this wonderful piece by J.S. Bach. Despite Schiff being an amazing performer, I feel he probably needs to mature with the piece. I went to listen to Schiff perform these Variations in Carnegie Hall not too long ago, and it was most breathtaking and spectacular. Schiff is definitely not a performer to be missed; however, Penguin's version of Schiff's playing isn't quite the best around.