10 stars - A masterwork
J. Kara Russell | Hollywood - the cinderblock Industrial cubicle | 07/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is BRIL-LI-ANT. As a harpist, I am particularly interested in baroque harpsichord music played on the harp (as it would have been in that time where there was only the fluttering start of harp repertoire).
Finch says that she hopes this will become standard harp repertoire, and it clearly should - although all 30 variations would not be for the faint of heart. For those who know harp standards, you will hear obvious similarities to some of the variations in Salzedo's "Variations on a Theme Ancienne" (which is perhaps THE standard of the serious classical harp student).
She takes the aria at a pensive pace, allowing each note to hover, then procedes with the variations - some at breakneck speed, all given their own time and space. Her notes are enlightening on the process, although she does not say how long she was working on this project, which would have been instructive. Ironically, there is no bio of Bach or information on the work itself, which seems an omission in text.
Clearly Finch has achieved great recognition at an early age, and just as Christophe Rousset's double recording of all of Rameau's harpsichord works does for him, this recording will be both a standard, a historical mark, and a record of outstanding work of Finch.
But do not think this is only for the highbrow - this is a very accessible work that, because of it's overall unity of theme, could easily be played as background music for a dinner, or perfect "Baby Bach" to play for baby's naptime. This is simply a must have for your music collection."
Goldberg Variations by Catrin Finch
Gerard M. Kincade | Toledo, Ohio | 11/04/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A delicate and sensitive performance by a talented performer. If you're a Goldberg Variations fan, these variations are for you!"
Track Listings (32) - Disc #1