Customer Reviews

Goldberg Variations Bwv 988

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Out of over 50 Goldberg variations recordings I own, Pierre Hantaļ's is one of the best on harpsichord. If you can still find it, get a copy of this one, otherwise, get his newer recording.