Hello all,
Which is your favourite Goldberg variation and why? Would you listen to this work in its entirety as a work or rather leave it as background, falling asleep music, as was originally intended? Do you view this as 'Good Bach'? Is it typical? Just interested in all general reactions really...!
I've responded so many times to the first question above that I'll leave it be for now. I always listen to the entire work with 100% concentration; it's much too good to hear as background music. Besides, it was only intended as "falling asleep music" for a particular insomniac, and it's quite possible that the music's purpose was to entertain the insomniac. Of course, it's now the 21st century, and intentions back in the 18th century are not very relevant in present time. Also, these variations veer so far from the original theme/aria that I can't imagine anyone getting much insight from the music without concentrated listening.
"Good Bach"? About the best of Bach along with many other Bach works such as the WTC, Liepzig Chorales, Cello Suites, Mass in B minor, St. Matthew Passion, etc. Really, the list of superlative Bach pieces is very, very, long.
I find the Goldbergs highly typical of Bach: wonderful melodies, expert construction and wide-ranging emotional content from the underbelly of the human condition to the highest levels of spirituality.
Now I return to the matter of excellent recordings. As has been noted, I have over 100 versions and the list keeps growing. I either greatly admire or love each of them. However, most folks just want a few (at most) recordings. Here's my top picks:
Glenn Gould(piano): Sony "55", Sony "59" and Sony "81". If forced to choose, I'd take the Sony "81". Gould's greatness in this work comes from his ability to elevate the significance of lower voices without depreciating the soprano voice.
Rosalyn Tureck (piano): She has two or three versions on VAI Audio and one on the Philips Great Pianists of the Century series. Although each is a winner, my preference is for her most recent account on DG. What makes Tureck a fantastic Bach pianist is her diving into the architecture of each piece while also fully conveying emotional content.
Andras Schiff (piano): His ECM version is about the most positive and exuberant one I know - very uplifting. Avoid the Decca/Penguin release; this one is his earliest effort and not very rewarding.
Tatiana Nikolayeva (piano): Her Classico version; it's prime quality is "insistent". Forget her Hyperion effort that is rather choppy. I'm currently getting into her version on BBC Legends, but not enjoying it as much as the Classico.
Simone Dinnerstein (piano): The most interesting I've heard over the past few years: trance-like interpretations mixed with a virtuosity second to none. You never know what she'll do next.
Fingers are getting tired so I'll just list the harpsichord versions I favor:
Gilbert/Harmonia Mundi
Hantai/Naive (optimistic) and Mirare (searching)
Leonhardt/various versions, each captivating.
Frisch/Alpha Productions
Vartolo/Tactus
Dantone/Decca
Rousset/Decca
Ross/Virgin Veritas
Richter/Teldec
Verlet/Astree
If super-budget is your thing:
James Friskin (piano) on Vanguard. Skip the Jando on Naxos.