A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)
|
List Price: Our Price: $12.72 You Save: $3.27 (20%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $10.18 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)
Free Music Review: A wonder, a treasure
Hit: 5 Stars
Two decades after his death, Glenn Gould's art remains undiminished in stature, as lustrous and diamond-hard as his carefully sculpted recorded interpretations. This CD brings together in one deluxe package his two recorded performances of Bach's Goldberg variations, the first of which shot him to immediate, lasting, and deserved prominence on the musical scene. Even now, close to five decades after its release, the clarity, brilliant technique and sheer energy Gould brings to Bach in this 1955 performance takes one's breath away. Historically accurate performance it is not, but something more important--a rendition that brings the music back to life, fresh and new.The later, valedictory recording, released just before Gould died of a stroke in 1982, makes a fascinating contrast, generally slower and more contemplative (with more repeats taken, though not all), and oddly demarcated inner voices and accentuations that nevertheless illuminate the complexities of Bach's music in a way perhaps no one has done before or since. The sound, remastered from analogue tapes made at the time of the original digital recording, is even better than in the original release
There is a third disc that includes an "interview," carefully scripted, with Gould by the critic Tim Page. It is not surprising that someone as obsessed with the process of producing the perfect musical recording as Gould was would have wanted to exercise the same control over a verbal discussion as well! As a bonus there are also outtakes from the 1955 recording sessions. The packaging includes numerous photographs of the pianist in various stages of his life, as well as essays by Gould, Page, and others. This is an album that should be in every pianist's, piano aficionado's, and music lover's collection. Bravo!
Free Music Review: This is a treasure with a bonus weird interview
Hit: 5 Stars
As is true of many of us, Glenn Gould's recordings of the Goldberg Variations are among my favorites. Bracketing his brilliant career as they did, they exhibit both his early and his (very) late genius. Even for those who already own either or both of the previous releases of these discs will want to get the set. The 1981 recording is remastered from the original analog tapes. In 1981, digital recording was new and, as we all know, problematic in lack of warmth. In addition to the genius of the Gould's playing, this is technically one of the best recordings I've ever heard. Gould enthusiasts will also enjoy the outtakes from the 1955 recording present on the bonus disc.A recording of a lengthy interview with Tim Page is also included and is fully odd. After a few minutes listening to it, I felt strongly that something just wasn't right but it took a minute to put my finger on it. The interviewer sounded stilted and curiously scripted. Because he was a better actor and an insufferable ham, Gould sounds less rehearsed, but still there is something implausible about it all. What it actually reminded me of was the English soundtrack of the Japanese IRON CHEF program on the Food TV network. Then I read the liner notes and learned that, in fact, Gould and Page had talked extensively before the interview was taped and scripted the interview. I'm not sure if it was fully scripted, but it sure sounds as though it is. In addition, Gould is fairly full of himself in the interview and shows off and hams it up considerably. So, I found myself annoyed and distracted by what should have been a great find for Gould fans.
But, buy the package. The quality of Disc II is worth the price of the package.
Free Music Review: novel·la i Variacions Golberg
Hit: 5 Stars
En Català:vaig arribar a aquest disc per la recomanació que en feia el protagonista d'una novel·la, i m'ha enlluernat. Interessant la possibilitat de comparar l'evolució musical de Gould entre la gravació de l'any 55 i la del 81. Bona re-masterització. Molt recomanable.
(Si algú troba les Variacions Golberg referenciat en alguna novel·la, m'ho podria dir si-us-plau?) Gràcies
En Castellano: llegué a este disco por la recomendación que hacia el protagonista de una novela, y me ha iluminat. Interesante la posibilidad de comparar la evolución musical de Gould entre la grabación del año 55 y la del 81. Buena re-masterización. Muy recomendable.
(Si alguien encuentra las Variaciones Golberg referenciadas en alguna novela, ¿me lo podría decir por favor?)Gracias
In English: I arrived at this disc by the recommendation that towards the protagonist of a novel, and she has illuminated to me. Interesting the possibility of comparing the musical evolution of Gould between the recording of the year 55 and the one of the 81. Good re-masterización. Very recommendable
(If somebody finds the listed Golberg Variations in some novel, it could say to me please?)Thank You
Free Music Review: A work so great it demands discovery
Hit: 5 Stars
In his many writings (specifically "Strauss and the Electronic Future" and "The Possibilities of Recording", both included in the 5-star Glenn Gould Reader) Gould makes it perfectly clear that he is as interested in the experience of the listener as he is about his own aesthetics and interpretation or, for that matter, the composer's genius or intention. It is this liberal constitution that affords us a genuine State of Wonder.
So many others have said eloquently enough why this 3 CD set is a must-have for anybody the least bit interested in Bach, Gould, the piano, or music itself, and I will only confirm that yes, the sound is fantastic and the recorded radio interview cum converation first-rate. Instead, I will say that the effect of the whole is not only to encompass this State of Wonder, but to challenge (and encourage) the listener to make her own journey of discovery, to enter this State of Wonder on her own terms and via her own efforts. Thus, this is not only a work that entertains, but educates and thereby transforms the listener. And transformed, the listener will enjoy an entirely new perspective of the whole rest of their musical collection.
Free Music Review: A MUST HAVE SET !
Hit: 5 Stars
Sony Music has done a marvelous job for this 3 CD set. The 1955 & 1981 Goldberg Variations never sounded better. On CD1 (1955 version), the sound is much improved than the earlier "Glenn Gould Edition CD" originally released in early 1990's. Now, there's no sense of congestion & hashness on the piano sound. You can hear the inner details and sense of freedom and breath of notes so clearly on this new CD. No fake noise reduction or souped up sound like what you can find in the 1990's Glenn Gould Edition remastered. Everything just sounds right for the first time on "State of Wonder" CD. The CD2 (1981 version) is a revelation. Compared the Glenn Gould Edition CD with this newly remastered is like a night and day! Suddently, there's the light shines through every notes of this 1981 recording. It sings so beautifully on this new CD!
On CD3, a wonderful (scripted)interview and the outtakes of 1955 Goldberg Variations with same sonic treatment.
In summary, I'm very happy I bought this wonderful "State of Wonder" 3CD set although I also own the Glenn Gould Edition CDs that released 10 years ago. Now, I'm planning to visit used CD stores and ask if they want my older remastered Glenn Gould Edition CDs. I hope they do!