A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)
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Free Music Notes for A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)
Free Music Review: Reccomended
Hit: 5 Stars
The more you listen to the Goldberg Variations, the more you will like them. Thats what makes these CD's so great, no matter how many times you listen to them, you will never get bored. Glenn Gould's interpretations are as far apart as the North and South pole, the first (1955) is fast and overall enjoyable to listen to, the second (1981) is much slower on most sections, its like Gould is talking to you through the Goldberg variations, almost as if its something he learned how to do from 1955 to 1981... the 1981 recording is in a way much more emotional. The third CD has Glenn Gould talking with Tim Page about his recordings, which is very fun to listen to. On the second track of the 3rd CD, it has the studio outtakes, which are kindof hard to hear, but are incredibly amusing. This collection is a MUST HAVE for all people who are interested in Bach, Glenn Gould... or both.Free Music Review: No reason for this review, unless you listen to rock
Hit: 5 Stars
Well, after such reviews, what more is there to say? Except, don't get distracted or annoyed by Gould's humming along, that was a standard feature of his playing, he always hummed along, and it's part of the charm of having a recording of the greatest pianist ever (or certainly of the 20th century if someone wants to argue about it). There is no reason to listen to Glenn Gould unless you want your mind opened. The magic here is not Gould, it's Gould's two different interpretations of Bach, who was certainly the most spiritual of any composers.
For those of us who don't know anything about music, except for what it says to us, personally, there is no reason to buy this, unless you want to have an epiphany. If you want the same thrill in classical parlance as the first time you ever heard Geddy Lee sing, or Joe Satriani play, you'll want to by this recording.
Free Music Review: Absolutely Stunning Sound & performances!!
Hit: 5 Stars
As a pianist and an avid fan of Glenn Gould. I have never heard his Goldberg Variations sound so wonderful, pure and fresh as this newly remastered 3CD set. This is a no brainer! I used to dislike the 1981 version for its slow tempi and very hash,brittle and congest sound of early, primitive, Digital Recording. Luckily, this time, Sony went back to the original analog master which was recorded simultaneously, as a pre- caution, at the session. In 1981, analog technology was at its peak. With properly adjusted and aligned, the analog has, surprisingly, far better fidelity than early digital technology. Now, you can hear the 1981 version in its full rich sound, with no hint of early digital nasties. It has changed my old opinion toward Gould's 1981 version, like a new discovery. Now, I love both version in a different way. Thanks for this exceptional 3 CD set. Bravo!Free Music Review: A wonder indeed
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first bought this CD I was a bit disappointed with Gould's humming (it mainly affects the 1981 version). I was irritated by it especially knowing that Gould was a kind of a music purist. Whether you like it or not, this "singing along" is really a blunder.
Nevertheless, after listening to both the 1955 and the 1981 versions quite a number of times I think that they both are masterpieces.
Gould's music always makes sense and, especially the 1981 version, sounds like a complete, cohesive piece. Other pianists do not seem to understand Bach's music as Gould did. Everyone of the tracks in these CDs is the product of pure genious.
I think sooner or later someone will release a 1981 version without the humming and then it will be truly a 6 star performance.
Free Music Review: Really, so NO ONE in 1981 realized the analog tapes sounder better?
Hit: 5 Stars
Most of us may remember the "perfect music forever" marketing that introduced CDs 25 years ago... those of us with working ears pretty quickly dismissed it for the hype it was... I've got both the '55 and '81 versions and now this release. I have NO regrets re the performance (of course) nor the sonics. My point is that I find it hard to believe that no one at what was then Columbia realized the analoge safety tape sounded so much better than the digital recording. More likely, someone did, but the idea of releasing a new Gould Goldberg, and in digital to boot, trumped releasing it in the "old," if albeit better-sounding analoge format. Not the first time commercial considerations clouded musical decisions. Still, a big "For Shame" in having us listen to the atrocious '81 version for +20 years.