Bach: Goldberg Variations

• Main performer: András Schiff
• Booklet languages: English
• Time: 72:17
• Release Date: 1986

Review

There is nothing to object to in Andras Schiff's 1983 recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. Schiff's tone is dulcet, his rhythm is light, his technique is bright, and his interpretations are lucid. As far as performances of the Goldbergs on the piano go, Schiff's is less eccentric than either of Glenn Gould's recordings, less interesting than Angela Hewitt's, less compelling than Wilhelm Kempff's, and a whole lot better than Daniel Barenboim's recording. If you already have a dozen copies of the Goldberg's on your shelf and are looking for another one, Schiff's will do just fine. But if you're looking to acquire just one recording of the Goldbergs that you'll be happy listening to for the rest of your life, try any of harpsichordist Gustav Leonhardt's recordings. One of the great musicians of the second half of the twentieth century, one of the handful of great musicians of the period instrument movement, and surely the greatest living harpsichordist, Leonhardt's Goldberg sets the sun, the moon, and the stars all racing on their courses through the vault of heaven. Decca's early digital sound seems much warmer and rounder than it originally did. ~ James Leonard, Rovi

Performances

Composer	Title	Time
Johann Sebastian Bach	Goldberg Variations, for keyboard (Clavier-Übung IV), BWV 988 (BC L9)	72:17

Previous:	Bach: Goldberg Variationen
Next:	Bach: Goldberg Variations (1955 Stereo) [Japan LP Sleeve] [Japan]