BaL 18.02.12 Bach's Goldberg Variations

[MickyD]

I have always liked the Kenneth Gilbert version - once on Harmonia Mundi but I fear no longer available?

[Osborn]

I'm astonished that Barenboim hasn't recorded them. His Bach can be v refreshing.

[vinteuil]

I have always liked the Kenneth Gilbert version - once on Harmonia Mundi but I fear no longer available?

yes, I did enjoy Kenneth G's performance. Am I right, however, in thinking that he skips repeats - which has made his version less 'acceptable' nowadays? - he certainly comes in at ten minutes 'shorter' than Christophe Rousset!

[amateur51]

Am I dreaming or did Alfred Brendel play them at least once in concert in London?

He certainly didn't record them, sadly

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

In response to the request for room service, I've added abbreviations to the list of recordings to clarify the instrument being used in each recording.

[amateur51]

In response to the request for room service, I've added abbreviations to the list of recordings to clarify the instrument being used in each recording.

You're a very patient man, EA and an outstanding host

Many thanks

[robk]

Another one for the list:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bach-Goldber...9060344&sr=1-3

[silvestrione]

Another one for the list:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bach-Goldber...9060344&sr=1-3

Ah, my old friend Kirkpatrick! He is superb in many ways, notably in the Ouverture, and in the variations building up to, and including, the 'quodlibet'. Just a shame he did not do any repeats and persuaded himself a strange lute-like stop for the left hand was a good idea in Var 25.

What an amazing number of recordings there are available! It's heartening the work has become so popular. When I bought the Kirkpatrick LP there was hardly anything else on the market.

[Black Swan]

The Goldberg's are a great favorite of mine. To that end I have:
Piano:

Schiff
Gould x 2
Perahia

Pinnock on Harpsichord

I have always wanted a Tureck recording but to date have not purchased. So I am anxiously waiting for next Saturday.

[Dave2002]

I definitely prefer harpsichord, and Pinnock is right at the top. There are others though, such as Hantai and Rousset. I have a version by the Swiss harpsichordist Christiane Jaccottet, which is still available - though perhaps not distributed in this country. It's OK - I thought I'd mention it for completeness. I didn't know much about her. http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Jac...Christiane.htm

On piano I have several by Gould, including the amazing computerised reconstruction using a modern piano, which is surprisingly good. I like them all.

Looks as though Charles Rosen's version might not be available - it's very good. It is still available in the USA.

Perahia is one pianist who does make a lot of Bach work on a piano. Another is Barenboim, who as noted has not AFAIK recorded the Goldbergs. For a modern piano version Perahia is very good.

I tried Catrin Finch's harp version. It's pleasant, but I think interest wanes after a few playings.
The Amati string versions are fairly plain, and not terribly interesting, not unpleasant though.

i suspect the accordion versions are fun - but I can't remember the details., though I've heard some.

Gavrilov is very good. Tureck did versions on both harpsichord and piano. Unfortunately I missed the chance to get the set which had two versions by her. Of course there's also Landowska.