Search - Bob Van Asperen :: Bach: Goldberg Variations, Toccatas

Ample rhythmic flexibility, often to the extreme

Y.P. | Mount Messiaen, Utah | 08/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bob van Asperen's Bach recordings have the highest praise from GB, an Amazon reviewer and a musician involved in the historically informed performance (HIP), who I have tremendous respect. That alone makes this very affordable 2-CD set a compulsory purchase for anyone interested in HIP.(*)



This rendition, for me, has great musical and educational value: It brings to my attention certain details which had not registered as well as they should, especially in the Goldberg Variations. However, I felt that it might not be a universal top recommendation for everyone.



What the listeners are likely to find in this recording is, first and foremost, its ample rhythmic flexibility, often to the extreme. In fact, it almost sounds like a reaction to the "strict and dry" early HIP practice. Although I don't find myself in complete agreement with van Asperen's extreme "rhythmic subtlety", it is nonetheless never less than musical. The ornamentation is very tastefully done.(**)



I think this recording will be perfect for some, but might sound mannered for others. At this price, it's definitely a must-buy for the devoted fan of Bach's keyboard works, and the Goldberg in particular. After all, great works allow multiple interpretations, and Bach has written some of the most instrument-independent works. The readers are advised to listen to it and form their own opinions. Whether you like it or not, you will most likely find the listening experience very rewarding.(***)



5-star recommendation.



P.S. Giordano Bruno's excellent review of Fabio Bonizzoni's J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations is highly recommended.



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(*) I quote: "... this is the most expressive and musical recording of the Goldberg Variations ever offered to the public on any kind of keyboard...."



(**) I somehow have the impression that this kind of "rhythmic nuance" is in vogue now, and "the extreme" might not be the extreme any more, at least in the HIP circle. -- Corrections and comments from the more knowledgeable readers are most welcome.



(***) If this is your first harpsichord recording of the Goldberg Variations, you might want to pay attention to the usage of manuals. I think this piece requires a harpsichord with 2 manuals. Here is what I found: Var 1-4: 1st manual, Var 5: both, Var 6: 2nd, Var 7: both, Var 8: 2nd, etc...."