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Bach: Goldberg Variations

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Glenn Gould (Performer) Format: Audio CD
4.2 out of 5 stars 114 customer reviews
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Audio CD, June 28, 1983
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Frequently Bought Together

  • Bach: Goldberg Variations
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  • Glenn Gould plays Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier Books I & II, BWV 846-893
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  • Bach: The 6 French Suites, Glenn Gould Anniversary Edition
Total price: $37.59
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This title is an Audio CD.

Amazon.com

The clear-cut rhythms, riveting articulation, and contrapuntal acumen of Glenn Gould's 1955 debut Goldberg Variations characterize this 1981 remake to strikingly different results. This later version is more deliberate in pacing, stark in expression, thoughtful with ornamentation, and tightly organized (if a mite theatrical) in terms of tempo relationships. Whereas there are no repeats from 1955, Gould now observes "A" section repeats in the canons, the Fughetta, and other fugue-like variations. The rapid, cross- handed sequences still dazzle with pinpointed fingerwork, yet the slower tempos better serve the music's dance-like qualities. Unlike Sony Classical's better sounding Glenn Gould Edition transfer, the original CBS Masterworks CD still has no banding cues. --Jed Distler

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  • Sample this album Artist (Sample)
1
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Aria
2:17
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 1
1:02
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 2
1:13
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 3
3:48
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 4
1:25
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 5
0:54
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 6
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 7
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 8
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 9
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 10
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 11
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 12
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 13
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 14
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 15
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 16
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 17
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 18
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 19
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 20
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 21
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 22
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 23
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 24
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 25
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 26
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 27
1:13
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 28
1:15
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 29
1:26
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Variation 30
1:53
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Aria with 30 Variations (The Goldberg Variations), BWV 988: Aria
2:30
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Product Details

  • Performer: Glenn Gould
  • Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
  • Audio CD (June 28, 1983)
  • Number of Discs: 1
  • Label: CBS Masterworks
  • Run Time: 51 minutes
  • ASIN: B0000025PM
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (114 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,405 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsThe Stuff of Genius
By Rupert Stone on December 22, 2001
Format: Audio CD
Glenn Gould had recorded two Goldbergs prior to this release: a digital effort from 1955 and a live Salzburg performance in 1959. Both are stunning, bursting with wit and vivacity - but there is something about his testamentary final version (finished just before his premature death, aged 50) that defeats not only his own efforts but those of every other pianist too. Gould himself was an odd fish, to say the least - he never slept (the Goldbergs were written by Bach for the insomniac Goldberg), ate little and was a chronic hypochondriac. Admirable was his love for animals - he had many dogs throughout his life - and his love of solitude (he conducted almost every relationship through the telephone). Such qualities are very important when considering the unmeasurable profundity of this recording - the love of innocence, the aversion to brutality, the childike playfulness are coloured by a deathly weariness and stoicism (hence the beautiful final aria, transcendentally slow, or the tired stubborness of number 1). This is one of those recordings that demands endless relistening - one discovers new things every time amidst the mass of detail and complexity (the diversity of articulation in number 25, the so-called 'black pearl' variation is a good example). His tone is otherwordly, sometimes akin to the sound of a xylophone, sometimes an organ - the glittering textures of Variation 6 or 13 are wondrous. Bach purists will perhaps hate this disc, but wrongly - it is a marvellous realisation of the score combined with a highly original personal vision. Brendel chides Gould for his Bach playing, on the grounds that he fails to bring out the composer's intentions.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsGlenn Gould's finest recording
By A Customer on June 6, 2000
Format: Audio CD
Glenn Gould is without a doubt one of the finest pianist of our time, though he was certainly excentric. This second recording of his of the Goldberg Variations by Johann Sebastian Bach, is his finest work in my opinion.
One thing that is distinctive of Glenn Gould, is the way he manages to play very fast, yet we can still clearly hear every single note. This is apparent in some of the variations here that are played very (too?) fast. But what I thought was extermely good in this recording, is the way Glenn Gould can be soft and touching at times, and hard and fast at other times. We are given the impression that Glenn Gould is telling us a story. The result is very satisfying.
But be warned. This is not Bach as it was intented to be. Lets forget that this is played on a piano for a minute. Glenn Gould's interpretation of the Goldberg Variations can shock some purists. First, like I said before, it is played extremely fast at times. I doubt this is what Bach had in mind. Also, Glenn Gould has this bad habit of putting stacattos everywhere. This is not as annoying as it can be in his interpretation of Bach's Well Tempered Clavier, but still.
Also, another warning for those who do not know of this pianist. Glenn Gould used to sing when he was playing. Not to loud. Just a little hum. But you can hear him on his recordings. If I recall well, he insisted his voice was left on the recordings, because he thought that removing his voice would hurt the quality of the recording.
So anyway, this is still my favourite interpretation of Bach's Goldberg Variations on piano. And it must be the most popular interpretation out there. I still prefer Kenneth Gilbert on the harpsicord, but it is definitely a must-buy if you ask me.
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5.0 out of 5 starsSlower, But Nicer
By A Customer on August 26, 2000
Format: Audio CD
My discovery of Glenn Gould was a bit later, and much more irregular, than most classical music listeners. I was curious as to what could motivate Dr. Lechter, and his creator Thomas Harris, to such devotion.
The first purchased was the Sony 1955 edition, and I listened to it constantly while reading, working on the computer, or even taking a nap.
A few months later I ordered the 1982 recording and was astonished at the difference. The later recording had a much slower pace and seemed much more reflective to my un-tutored ear. I was so surprised I went out and purchased two other recordings: one by Chen Pi-hsien, on piano; and Anthony Newman, on harpsichord. There is a strange difference in the Pi-hsien recording to my un-educated ear; as if she doesn't strike the keys with the same power, and sharpness as Gould. The Newman quickly becomes boring due to the inflexability of that instument, though I presume it is closer to the original clavier for which the Variations were written.
Over the last year or so, I have given both Gould versions to friends, as well as bullying others to purchase it.
Try to listen to both variations of Gould's Goldberg Variations, and see which you prefer. While first impressions may remain strongest, and I still prefer Gould to others, I found a slightly more pleasant shift in timing in the later version.
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5.0 out of 5 starsWords cannot decribe it
By Dedonno Jason Enzo on March 20, 2007
Format: Audio CD
I love Bach's music, and generally insist on two things; firstly, that it is played a little slower than we are generally served it; and secondly that it is played on traditional instruments. When I first heard Glenn Gould's 1981 recording, I realised how ridiculous that second requirement was, and how important that first requirement was. The music on this album just swept me away. There is no other recording of the Goldberg Variations that I've listened to that even comes close to it.

The technical mastery of Gould goes without saying, but what really struck me with this album was the spirit with which this music is played - the feeling Gould breathes into the work. This is most evident in the opening Aria, which takes you on a journey of the most exquisite emotions. It is played very slowly than any other known recordng. I lack the words to describe it - words like "subliminal", "instropective" bubble to the surface, and above all very human. Bach can be played very mechanically, but not here. Complimented by Gould's ghostly humming, occasionally rising to the level of audibility, Aria sounds like it comes straight from his soul, and allows you to experience a range of extraordinary emotions. It takes you out of yourself. Not once does he use the pedals.

This is just mind-blowing - buy it!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Extraordinary!

Published 11 days ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Cooool

Published 1 month ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsGould is my eccentric fave. Next is Peter Shickele ...

Gould is my eccentric fave. Next is Peter Shickele followed by John Cage. Not most people's faves but Gould is a master interpretor of Bach in spite of his humming. Read more

Published 5 months ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Just doesn't get finer than this! Thank you! I now own two copies, one at each address!

Published 14 months ago by nica
1.0 out of 5 starsAvoid

Crap. Utterly destroyed by 32 inept cut/queue at end and beginning of each "Track" when in reality it should be one take as in the original recording.

Published 15 months ago by Chris Newcomer
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Finally getting around to purchasing both of Gould's definitive Goldberg recordings.

Published 15 months ago by David M
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Creative Flow

The music that inspires me to be creative. It is a backbone to the imaginative body.

Published 16 months ago by Marian K.
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

The greatest of the greatest!

Published 17 months ago by JCG
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is absolutely the best iteration of this incredible composition...

I wore out my CD of Glenn Gould's Goldberg Variations. Thankfully, Amazon had the original recording. Read more

Published 17 months ago by MA
1.0 out of 5 starsBarely recognizable to other Goldberg Variations, too crisp and ...

Barely recognizable to other Goldberg Variations, too crisp and strong. I prefer the goldberg variations to flow more subtly and smoothly. Read more

Published 17 months ago by John

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