"Unorthodox. Adorned. Unique. Personal. Daring. Intelligent. Perfectly controlled virtuosity. Passionate. Ecstatic. If you are looking for a conservative, or even a remotely "mainstream" reading of these Beethoven gems, then Gould's interpretation is not the place to start. However, if you are looking for an album that is filled with a genius' fire, mind, and impeccable technique, then this fits the bill."
6 Bagatelles, Op. 126
Hiram Gomez Pardo | 03/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The deceptively light-hearted designation, suggestive of the trifling, belies the enormous profundity of these "berries." The singularly fine mingling of solemnity and delicate resiliency seems, upon consideration of the remarkable fact that these pieces followed after the grandly and somewhat vulgar ponderousness of the Ninth Symphony, to deepen in subtlety... As for Gould's performance, I assume that, having probably arrived here not by sheer chance, one hardly needs to be persuaded of its excellence."
Eroica Variations
10/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard both discs for the 1st time & really liked them both right away but what really stood out were the Eroica Variations. Apparently they were obscure, weird pieces that nobody ever listened to or recorded until Gould recorded them. The 2nd variation is pretty unbelievable, I've never heard anyone play so fast. It's not just fast though, it sounds good too, loud & incredibly dramatic, tense & emotional. I'd put these Eroica up there with Bach's Goldberg Variations in my collection. I agree 100% with the other reviewers."
"Glenn Gould has been one of the most emblematic artists who characterized with major mercurial breath and singular commitment what the role of a pianist must be. His profound sense of the span, and visible concerns around the search of the whole expression and meaning of every work he played was even not enough for him. And as well as others colleagues such Artur Schnabel, Paul Badura Skoda, György Sandor or Alfred Brendel was a deep thinker and published two illustrative books. In the meantime there is a lot of abundant information in different interviews and TV videos. The impressive command of his leonine intelligence may be verified in the four hands program with Yehudi Menuhin, for instance, among some others equally representative.
This album is one the most important recordings of his wide discography. These 32 Variations on an Original Theme are simply superb. Steeled fingering and powerful interpretative creativeness, make of this performance an absolute must for all who love this admirable creation.
6 Variations Op. 34 possesses that fortunate combination of elegance, expression and temperament without additional ornaments. Balance and musicality shake hands in this fabulous performance.
15 Variations with Fugue Op. 35 "Eroica" is by far, one of my favorite choices. You should realize the Final Movement is composed for a true kaleidoscope of visions which clasp humor, sadness, bitterness and this notable sense of foreknowable epic breath. These are masterful performances supported by that sublime conviction and vibrant sound. The variations must be played under the perspective of the epic spirit about the absolute understanding about what the term hero represents. The true Beethovenian dissonances are rude but that does not mean to cudgel or hammer the piano as many pianists mistakenly tend to make it.
The set of Bagatelles are extraordinary. They are scented of this aristocratic atmosphere, and never should be played under a romantic or nostalgic approach, because you simply would seem to ignore the role of Beethoven in music.
"
Music and perfornance wonderful; recording defective
Mr. Lee | 08/09/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"The music is fine; the performance is Glenn Gould, and he plays brilliantly . At least five stars. However, at three or four places on each CD,there are loud bursts of static. I replaced one set; the second was similarly afflicted."