Bach: Goldberg Variations

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Catrin Finch (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Catrin Finch
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (June 23, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B001Q2EJ4O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,475 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

No Description Available.
Genre: Classical Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 23-JUN-2009

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 10 stars - A masterwork, July 21, 2009

By 

J. Kara Russell "Actress/Artist/Musician/Writer" (Hollywood - the cinderblock Industrial cubicle) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

This CD is BRIL-LI-ANT. As a harpist, I am particularly interested in baroque harpsichord music played on the harp (as it would have been in that time where there was only the fluttering start of harp repertoire).

Finch says that she hopes this will become standard harp repertoire, and it clearly should - although all 30 variations would not be for the faint of heart. For those who know harp standards, you will hear obvious similarities to some of the variations in Salzedo's "Variations on a Theme Ancienne" (which is perhaps THE standard of the serious classical harp student).

She takes the aria at a pensive pace, allowing each note to hover, then procedes with the variations - some at breakneck speed, all given their own time and space. Her notes are enlightening on the process, although she does not say how long she was working on this project, which would have been instructive. Ironically, there is no bio of Bach or information on the work itself, which seems an omission in text.

Clearly Finch has achieved great recognition at an early age, and just as Christophe Rousset's double recording of all of Rameau's harpsichord works does for him, this recording will be both a standard, a historical mark, and a record of outstanding work of Finch.

But do not think this is only for the highbrow - this is a very accessible work that, because of it's overall unity of theme, could easily be played as background music for a dinner, or perfect "Baby Bach" to play for baby's naptime. This is simply a must have for your music collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb interpretive distinction!, January 3, 2012

By 

Hiram Gomez Pardo (Valencia, Venezuela) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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

The Welsh harpist Catrin Finch made of her debut as soloist a memorable historical achievement.

She gives the Goldberg a new vision but preserving it from all mannerism or concesions for the great audiences. She maintainsn the tension, mystery and sidhereal breadth that features this sublime masterwork.

This album must be included among the one hundred recordings of this raising century and don't doubt it; over the years it will be a cult performance.

Kudos for this talented and beautiful artist.

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Goldberg Variations by Catrin Finch, November 4, 2009

By 

Gerard M. Kincade (Toledo, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

A delicate and sensitive performance by a talented performer. If you're a Goldberg Variations fan, these variations are for you!