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J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variationen
Bach, Barenboim
J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variationen
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #2

Daniel Barenboim is at his most convincing in the contemplative variations, probing Variation 25's extraordinary harmonies for all their worth without letting things sag. But the work's lighter, more skittish moments get s...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Bach, Barenboim
Title: J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variationen
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Elektra / Wea
Release Date: 6/25/1991
Genre: Classical
Styles: Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750)
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 022924546822

Synopsis

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Daniel Barenboim is at his most convincing in the contemplative variations, probing Variation 25's extraordinary harmonies for all their worth without letting things sag. But the work's lighter, more skittish moments get somberly recast under Barenboim's well-meaning, yet heavy, humorless hands. --Jed Distler

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CD Reviews

Every note counts in this recording
Goldberg lover | California | 01/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Heavy and humorless? Listen again, Jed Distler. Slow, yes, but never heavy -- rather, tender and considered. The slower tempi may be unsettling for the first few movements, but after the listener adjusts to the new pace, the untraditional tempi allow the listener to hear the impact of each note. With Barenboim's respectful and affectionate interpretation, I became aware of new subtleties and beauty in the Variations that were never apparent to me when listening to other musicians gleefully crash through them (although of course it was always fun)."
A thoughtful if somewhat long-winded interpretation.
Goldberg lover | 02/02/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)

"Barenboim plays the variations thoughtfully and with plenty of ornamentation to satisfy most purists, but his insistence on observing all repeats and his slower-than-usual tempi make this a real time committment for the listener and at times may cause drowsiness. The live Erato recording lets in more coughing and crowd noise than we have come to expect from most of today's live concert recordings. Also the pedal has a distinct squeak, audible through headphones. Despite these drawbacks, this is a good 3rd choice (after Gould 1955 and 1981) for those who like their Goldbergs on piano."
Brilliant Performance
Amittai F. Aviram | Columbia, SC USA | 07/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aside from this recording of the Goldberg Variations, I have those of Andras Schiff, Rosalyn Turek, and Glen Gould (both early and late). These are all excellent performances, but Barenboim's is my favorite: thoughtful, passionate, sensitive, delightful, and masterful. The lilting Variation 7 (Tempo di Giga) and the final Reprise of the Aria are especially magnificent. I suspect that some other reviewers may take Glen Gould as the standard, but this is unfortunate in my view. By contrast to Gould's rushed and sometimes mechanical interpretations, I found this recording of Barenboim's live performance in Buenos Aires to be worth hearing over and over again. It is one of a handful of my favorite recordings of any music altogether -- a real triumph."