Goldberg Variations Bwv 988 [Import, Original recording reissued]

Bach (Artist), Pierre Hantai (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 11, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Original recording reissued
• Label: Opus 111
• ASIN: B00004SDCC
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #939,112 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Aria

2. Var 1

3. Var 2

4. Var 3 Canone All'Unisono

5. Var 4

6. Var 5 A 1 Ovvero

7. Var 6 Canone Alla Seconda

8. Var 7 A 1 Ovvero. Al Tempo Di Giga

9. Var 8

10. Var 9 Canone Alla Terza

11. Var 10. Fughetta

12. Var 11

13. Var 12 Canone Alla Quarta

14. Var 13

15. Var 14

16. Var 15 Canone Alla Quinta. Andante

17. Var 16. Ov

18. Var 17

19. Var 18 Canone Alla Sesta

20. Var 19

See all 32 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

For all the progress period instruments have made in cornering the market in modern performances of Bach, the piano keeps a strong presence in the solo keyboard works--particularly the Goldberg Variations. It seems that (arrangements for other instruments aside) the most talked-about performances of the Goldbergs--say, András Schiff, Rosalyn Tureck, Angela Hewitt, and the endlessly debated Glenn Gould--are on piano. Except for this one. Ever since it was first released in 1993, Pierre Hantaï's recording has been repeatedly and extravagantly praised. What's so special about it? Take, for example, the slow Aria that begins and ends the Goldbergs: It can easily become tedious, even on a piano--and a harpsichord can't even vary dynamics or sustain notes as a piano can. Yet Hantaï makes his harpsichord seem to almost sing the Aria. In his hands, the slow variations seem to speak affably; the fast ones sparkle and dance. Yet there's no sense of excess or abandon: Everything seems considered and elegant. Hantaï's Goldbergs may not be thrilling, exactly, but they provide this listener with more enchantment and delight than any other. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MASTERPIECE INTERPRETED BY A MASTER OF CEMBALO, December 8, 2000

By 

Nicolas (ESPOO Finland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Goldberg Variations Bwv 988 (Audio CD)

I must admit that the first time i heard this interpretation, after having heard Scott Ross, Blandine Verlet and Gustav Leonhardt playing these variations, i was a little bit dissapointed. I found it too perfect, elegant, brilliant, even a little bit superficial.

But with the time, i must admit this version of the goldberg variations is really the best one and not superficial at all. I was simply "corrupted" by other very convincing interpretations and not ready to open up myself to this classical, brilliant, varied and human reading of pierre hantai.

Definitely the best version, even if it should not be the only one you hear.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Miles ahead, August 13, 2000

By 

Mario Kossatz (Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Goldberg Variations Bwv 988 (Audio CD)

This really is harpsichord music. Pierre Hantai offers us this beautiful masterpiece, miles ahead of any one of the many recordings I have previously heard. This is like hearing the Goldberg variations for the very first time.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars must have, July 14, 2001

By 

esseyo (Jersey City, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Goldberg Variations Bwv 988 (Audio CD)

This is the best recording of the 3 Goldbergs that I've heard (Christopher Rousset on hrps, 1955 Glen Gould on piano). Typically my interest peaks at the aria and goes downhill from there but not with this one. Many variations I have skipped on other CDs, I now enjoy listening to. The pacing, the touch, the ornaments, and the freshness of playing makes this a great recording. As the Gramaphone quote states "What I like most of all about this playing is that Hantai clearly finds the music great to perform."

I agree with 1st reviewer that the Frenchy sounding harpsichord enhances the performance.