Goldberg Variation by Schiff part 2

[kenasahina]

every touch, every interigence.

[ludwig720]

Simply Divine

[mrblifil]

Schiff allows the pieces to dance, which is crucial. Gould treats the material as forlorn relics of a dead time, dusted off and shown the light at last. Schiff plays them as if Bach were sitting in the audience. I will say that Schiff perhaps under appreciates the moments when the score takes on a tragic tone. But his interpretation brings out warmth and even sweetness, which are not usually qualities associated with this work, which is thought impenetrable by many.

[mrblifil]

@mrblifil I want to add that without Gould these pieces would surely have remained obscure. So Gould is owed a great debt, and of course his interpretations will never really be matched. The wonderful thing about Schiff's approach is that he embraces the music as if it never went out of fashion in the first place. "Glenn who?" he seems to be saying...

[raphaelhudson]

This is just incredible technique. How easy he makes the most impossible pieces sound! Wonderful. Its unfortunate that some of the best variations are missing from part 1.

[jakobv8]

This is so beautiful! GG can't hold a candle to this wonderful interpretation of the Goldberg variations. Normally, when I listen to this piece in my car I fret about the 1/2 min pause at 9 min, but this time I enjoyed it because I watched Hr. Schiff.

[neilyoungtherealone]

u reckon hannibal lecter jacks off?

[fenderbender92]

If Schiff's interpretation is better or not than Gould's I don't know. All I have to say is how incredible is it that 2 pianists can make the same piece sound entirely different?

[CptNickk]

Look at his 41 videos together they don't make any sence !!!!

[akiddlydivy2]

Brilliant! Don't you wish you could hear Bach play Bach?

[HandlelessUser]

His interpretation of variation 10, i.e. the fugue, is terrible compared to Gould. That goes for every other variation too.

[camomile988]

I have to often believe that many pieces of Bach are about dancing! Schiff well understansds Goledberg is one of them. How enjoyable!

[garrillas]

Outstanding! Enough said.

[MrSalimMilas]

Brilliant tone, brilliant voicing, brilliant all around!!! Incredible!

[MrGuitarcat]

Oh another thing to Gould ! He did not play it in live in the studio movie. It was a playback ! Really play G. Variations in public without the score need 2 or 10 year of work ( 2 if you work 10 hours by day ). Heard an artist who will be able to play the whole GV is an exceptionnal moment ! More exceptionnal with an harpsichord !

[MrSalimMilas]

This performance is simply unbelievable!!! I just watched it from beginning to end, I'm speechless...

[Holdon1970]

I've had he opportunity to listen to Andra's Goldberg Variation live, and the performance was even better than the recorded one... as someone has said the peculiarity of Schiff's interpretation is the soft touch and the warm atmosphere he can create.. while Gould (which unfortunately I cannot hear live) in some performance is pure VIRTUOSO...so it depends by personal feeling...I like both...but the Schiff's live concert left me something special...

[PuresMusic]

08:47 Silence is the most beautiful thing in music.

[caddothegreat]

Since this is live, not at studio, then I would say it is his latest recorded by ECM.

[CaseyRocky]

pretty good but I could do without the facial poses that make him look like he was recently administered anesthesia for a colonoscopy. 7:27 and 25:26 are typical

[Mralibabarooibakkie]

@CaseyRocky I'm not sure what your point is. It's not humour and it is not about the music. There is the possibility that you're just a dick.

[CaseyRocky]

7:52

which version is this?

[MrCaffeinebuzz]

Schiff bears an uncanny resemblance to Pointdextere from revenge of the nerds.

Oh, and great interpretation of the variations.

[dnam3076]

For a tyro of classical music, it's great to read through the debate between the camps (especially when it's a point I can understand). I'm still undecided myself. Maybe a few years from now, when I've developed a better ear, I can weigh in.

[bratzko79]

I will seethis tomorrow in zürich.hahahahahahahahaha

[cagin]

var. 18 to end is the content of this video.

[tronkel1]

Gould's ghost talking through Schiff's hands. Gould hated performing in public, preferring the facilities of the recording studio that allowed him to edit the tape until he was satisfied with it. Schiff plays it to perfection in front of an audience by heart and with no editing. Whatever, the end result is similar in both cases. Bravissima.

[AjiSabaki]

It is too bad your posting of this work cuts the 2nd part of Var. 8. Is there any way you can rectify that now that YouTube allows videos of upto 15 minutes. Thanks.

[MsBoondoggle]

Complexity for complexity"s sake equals depth? Don't even get GG started on the "right-handed genius, Chopin." I think it was Picasso who said one should only talk about (criticize) the  works of art that one loves. But Bach, perhaps being the greatest polyphonic composer, (and maybe, composer), is the most perfect suit for GG to wear.

[chaddyfromtheblock]

I like this guy, seems to understand the music. Var. 25 seemed "glossed over" with disinterest. I wish he wouldn't play almost every repeat.

[morgulddt]

Que gran interpretación. serena y pausada.

[HerrWarja]

I love his preformance! Acctually more then Gould. And he is coming to Gothenburg next year and I will be able to see him preform variationworks by other composers.

[shein99]

Regardless of whether this performance is better than Goulds' (which is in itself a fascinating debate)... I just want to mention that the composition itself is simply gorgeous... what a translucent, fragile, and melancholy work... It is the sound of profound solitude... simply a beautiful piece of music.

[fabianyoshimaninoff]

no hay palabras que decir, with out words!

[PIanoReview]

It's intriguing to see the chatter by people wanting to find a performance OTHER than Gould to love - it is as if that if what they are looking for. While Schiff is a "nice" performance, it is quite laid back and rarely "moves." It is as if he is taking a leisurely stroll. What makes Gould's performance so extraordinary is that it is both relentless and gorgeous, and unlike any other performance. Schiff is just another very nice performance, beautiful but quite restrained.

[BrucknerMotet]

I always like to see youtube vids exceeding 10 minutes in length. Nice work.

[sayspokartz]

hmm i think it was!

[Toweley22992]

The more I listen to this performance the more I find myself absolutely loving it. Does anyone know if this specific performance was ever recorded?

[BrucknerMotet]

Toweley22992, I do believe that this specific was recorded. I just watched it.

[GuitarOfTruth]

Bach sounds terrible on the piano. Why do people even bother?

[kage1369]

So we all gotta learn guitar? XD

[GuitarOfTruth]

Oh God forbid. Its just funny to me reading about Gould or Schiff being the best. I just don't think ANY pianist makes the best interpretation. Which stands to reason. Perhaps if you listen to Rachel Podger's wonderfull colourful playing you might hear a different kind of Bach altogether. Not that these guys are not amazing musicians in their own way.

[HerrWarja]

@GuitarOfTruth Maybe you prefer Bach on the harpsichord?

[divinicus]

Hearing someone call Gould's performances the definition of perfection makes me want to cry. If you're merely listening to a Gould recording, then, to the extent the recording engineer filtered out Gould's muttering, humming, and singing, you will have an excellent recording.  But the whole of the performance? Aside from the distracting vocalizations, merely seeing Gould sitting at the keyboard makes my back hurt, and his bouncing around is too much for me.

[lancemmyers]

Both are really wonderful performances, they amaze me. But one does wish to hear it on the instrument for which it wa written.

[sam0xin]

@divinicus in certain ages( I'm guessing you're not even 30...) people paying attention to different aspects of INTERPRETATION...& if you can....CUT your attention from whatever you SEE...or hear..thus you CAN concentrate your attention for 100%... ON INTERPRETATION generally & discover that you missed so many genius discoveries of performer...p.s. I'm NOT mentioning by this comment that Schiff's version is worse than Gould's...

[wnxg4nd4lf]

For me Gould is THE master of Bach interpretation. His perfomances define perfection and they're far better than the rest. That being said i have to i admit that i respect and love mr. Schiff! He's one of the greatest musicians today. His performances show deep knowledge and love for great music.

[MrGuitarcat]

@wnxg4nd4lf Gould's interpretation is out ! Heard the harpsichord ! Scott Ross speack about the manner of pianist to interpret bach Hahaha !

[lovesGenet]

Pires is a fine Bach player.I got a cd of Schiff (whose Mozart i prefer over allmost everyone) and i thought it was as fancilful and couldn't understand a thing i it except great regard for the mechanics of composition I agree. Hewitt I have some affinity for. I'm still trying to catch Schiff in this music! Very serious not salon like -that could easily be said for gould however.The Russian Tatieva i must hear.Pogorelich I adore in Bach!

[felix0911176727]

Schiff had said Gould was his idol when he was young.

[howdilydoodily]

No one's commented on this, but the audience is extremely still and peaceful throughout the entire performance, particularly during the very long g minor variation beginning at 13:57. Bravo to the audience for not interrupting a master's performance!

[creakyfreaky]

After listening to Glenn G. for many years and considering him the standard on the GV's , I think Schiff is a little warmer to it and less mechanical and abrubt than Gould

[franzleone]

absolutely!

[paqman67]

@creakyfreaky I agree, but I think Gould, who was also a harpsichordist, tried to play thed piano in a way that simulated that instrument (since it really was written for a double keyboard harpsichord) and thus he accentuated it's voices rather than emotion (in his typical frantic way, mind you). He went as far as "ripping" off 1 set of strings on his piano, to make it sound more like a double stringed harpsichord (yes, he was nuts, but also a genius!)

Cheers!

[Malloyism]

@creakyfreaky Yes the reason he is less harsh and abrupt is probably due to his Schubert time the keyboard. He learnt with playing his beautiful interpretations of his idol Schubert how to be this good at Bach.

[creakyfreaky]

Yes! henkema22 and marcorw, I agree 100%

[marcorw]

Reply to maten4, odd that you should call Schiff "workmanlike," I have always found his interpretations of Bach warmer than Gould's, which is why I prefer hearing Schiff than Gould (for Bach). Gould was an incredible talent, but I find his playing more mechanical that Schiff's.

[GeorgeMaxwellDuPre]

I wish I could give your comment 100 stars! I can't so, I just give it a thumbs up.

[musicpiano14]

however! Gould is Gould! I don't think that this guy playss it better than Gould. He play it little bit like salon player. Anyway he is high level pianist.

[Hannes594]

I like this performace more than goulds

[henkema22]

me too... this is more bach played by schiff than gould playing bach

[maten4]

It is important to note that secular music performed during the Baroque period was also characterized by spontaneity on the part of soloist who improvised on and embellished portions of the compositions they performed; however, such spontaneity was motivated more by a performers desire to demonstrate virtuosity and technical mastery of their instrument than by a personal emotional response to the music being performed. (End of my posts sorry for so many all at once!)

[maten4]

Still, I believe that that Schiff sacrifices too much spontaneity in his performances of some of Bachs more lively variations with the unfortunate consequence that they come off a bit more pedantic than emotionally transparent.

[silensen]

pedantic?

listen without watch

[maten4]

you are RIGHT & i am WRONG. after making inconsiderate criticisms of Schiff's recording in a series of ignorant posts on this thread 2 months ago, i bought his 2003 GV CD recording & actually LISTENED to it (w/o the video). I now believe it to be every bit as sublime as Goulds, & even BETTER in many respects, despite Goulds 1981 visionary metrical approach. I recant everything negative I said about Schiff & that includes pedantry!

[maten4]

(The performers personalization of his subject matter would not become fashionable until the advent of the Romantic era in the latter half of the 19th century.)

[maten4]

Schiffs performances of the GVs are characterized by a more objective, workmanlike approach than Goulds. I believe its a conscious purist approach that Schiff takes in the performance of Baroque music in order to maintain a degree of emotional distance between the performer and his subject (the music). In fact, that approach is believed to be a more authentic one relative to the performance of Baroque music.

[KennYWooD2]

Gould, was anything but emotionally attached to the music and I think he'd be the first to admit that. Gould was attracted to Bach's counterpoint and the "mechanics" of Bach's compositions...not any emotional substance, of which, contrary to popular belief, there is plenty, with JSB. If anyone, it was Gould, who maintained an emotional detachment between the music and himself. Overt expressions of emotion would have embarrassed him.

[jezmuff]

Are you an idiot? Emotion in Bach is Gould's thing, it is what sets him apart from standard interpreters. It is what made him controversial. Listen to his aria in this work. God.

[maten4]

Gould was obviously devoted to this particular work, no doubt because his 1955 recording of it was and still is considered revolutionary as well as revelatory; consequently, that single recording brought him instant recognition as a serious artist and financial success. His inspiration is evident by the way he seems to play the work from the inside out, so that his performance is a more personal, subjective expression than Schiffs.

[maten4]

In contrast, I find Andras Schiffs recordings of BWV 988 disappointing, especially considering his remarkable renditions of some of Bachs lighter keyboard compositions such as the English and French Suites and the partitas performed on the piano. He seems to be much more inside those pieces than he is of most of the variations. I find the biggest difference between Goulds and Schiffs performance to be one of inspiration: what each finds inspiring in the music and to what degree.

[maten4]

To me, the tempo changes between each variation seem so natural and are definitely fundamental in driving the seemingly infinite facets of this monumental masterpiece of keyboard writing to a single inevitable and sublime conclusion. The one element I find sorely missing in this video recording that my audio recording includes is a final restatement of the aria theme following the last variation which adds a significant degree of symmetry, integration, and closure to the work as a whole.

[maten4]

Gould determined the tempo of each successive variation based on mathematical relationships involving the time signature Bach chose for each movement, Bachs almost obsessive fascination with the number 3, various ratios and proportions of the duration between a particular movement and the preceding one, etc. However, as complicated or confusing as Goulds divine methodology sounds as he describes it during the interview, its implementation becomes all too clear in his performance.

[maten4]

I can provide info. on the video interview I mentioned below if you want it. During that interview, Gould revealed the common denominator he discovered was key to binding all 30 variations (and 32 movements counting the initial aria and final aria restated) together and making it not only possible but essential that they be performed in continuous succession in a single sitting was not melodic or harmonic, but metric.

[beilliatoy]

Utterly amazing and wonderful. In the wake of all this disagreement I prefer simply to listen and enjoy with gratitude in my hearrt for such beauty. Thank you for posting.

[exackerly]

Schiff certainly is wonderful to listen to and he treats each variation with great care and attention. But so far I have only heard one performer who assembles all the variations into a profound and thrilling whole. That's of course Gould, in his second recording.

As for "what Bach intended", first of all we'll never know because he didn't write for piano! Second, true greatness in a performance is rare enough that when it comes along I'm not going to quibble about ornamentation, tempi, etc.

[jjoh1983]

Nobody knows what Bach intended - in my (originally german) Opinion he tried to build a musical cathedral - but - he's dead!

I first understood the variations played by G.Gould - it took a lot of time...

maybe Gould is more gothic and Schif is more barock

[maten4]

You make an excellent point in regard to Gould's unique holistic treatment of BWV 988 in his 1981 recording. A video exists of Gould being interviewed shortly after that recording was released in which he explains his unique approach to it. See my posts above for more.

[correpetitor]

Thanks a lot for posting these videos!

I like Schiff more than Gould, even if he is also a great interpreter. Schiff feels like nearer to Germany...

[maz05173]

why cant everyone just talk normally about this vid, instead of tryna make it look like u all no everyfing by challnging others and trying to make your self sound intellegent by using complex stntax, no1 cares, its pissing me off, oh n sick music got me 2 sleep quiet well, n that is the biggst zoon iv eva seen,,,sfe

[adams82683]

Why such vicious attacking and mudslinging over who is better at Bach? Gould is my personal favorite, but I do love Schiff's Bach playing as well. I believe that one can learn a great deal from every competent musician who puts thought and care and into their performance. Both Gould and Schiff simply offer a different perspective of this multi-faceted masterpiece, each of which is equally as good, but different.

[dantelomas88]

Its absolutely amazing, as the first time I heard Gould´s version. It great how both place accents in a very different ways.

[Irshkboy]

PLz put a lease on it you Schiff fanatics, You dare to come over to Gould You Tube vids and go on tirades, in which you repeatedly attack and Insult Gould. Face the facts, Schiff is not match for the ultimate piano master. I havent heard anyone yet that can match his technical wizardry. YOU KEEP YOU PANTS ON AND KNOW YOUR PLACE. BTW I think Schiff is awesome 2

[Weimartoccata]

lol I like your comment and even though you say it in a funny way I agree... as do many of the best musicians that I've studied Bach with. Gould is just unmatchable. I don't know who this Kennywood2 thinks he is.

[TheBhoyJoe]

Gould was better than this cunt.

[KennYWooD2]

Obviously you're an idiot since you'd call Schiff a c..., and I'm sorry but Schiff is more musical than Gould ever was.

[solradrecords]

of course schiff is good, but not better than gould man

[KennYWooD2]

I'm sorry but Schiff is by far a more musical pianist than Gould ever was. Schiff lets the composer speak, whereas with Gould it was all about Gould. He was no doubt a genius and a fine pianist, but his genius and ego prevented him from letting the music and it's true character most times truly speak. I always felt that he was trying to rewrite whatever work it was that he was playing rather than acting as a medium. So yes, Schiff is the better pianist (along with many others).

[Weimartoccata]

I think you are wrong to say definitively that Schiff is a better Bach player. Personally, I find much to like in both pianists' playing, although I think Gould probably takes the cake as master of Bach. You are free to have an opinion otherwise, but I think it is unfair to say that Gould was all about Gould. I think you should listen more carefully to his recording. I didn't really fully "get it" until I listened to it dozens of times. That's how deep Gould's interpretation is.

[KennYWooD2]

I'v not said that Schiff is necessarily a better Bach player...I said he is a much more musical pianist (and in my opinion an all around better pianist). I've listened to many of the Gould recordings numerous times, and for me, it's still the same result...it's too much Gould. And as a result the musics' character becomes buried beneath a personality, which just isn't what interpretation is about.

[Weimartoccata]

why would you think its buried beneath his personality?? I think Gould's performance is so convincing because he illuminates the counterpoint. i.e. you will notice in his phrasing and dynamics he is indeed quite neutral, almost as if the listener can imagine his/her own sound picture and have it fit,hearing the notes emphasized which appeal to him/her. Also note that each recording of his is quite different, so its not that his personality is overpowering it at all, just looking from dif. angles

[Weimartoccata]

On the contrary, I think that the reason Schiff doesn't play like Gould is that he can't. It is hard to be so expressive within Baroque practice. Schiff is more romantic with Bach. I just like my Baroque music to be more Baroque that's why I like Gould, he practically lives the music. I don't think anything Gould does is arbitrary or based only on his personality. He really is a thinking performer and furthermore has the amazing control to be able to realize his intense musical thoughts.

[KennYWooD2]

I would tend to agree with you that Schiff, indeed, cannot play like Gould, because he doesn't play in black and white. What exactly is "more baroque" anyway? Baroque does not mean more abstract. It's simply a style and full of romance, quite contrary to popular opinion. I do agree, that Gould's control and ability to play polyphonically, is amazing. That said, it's still too much Gould and not enough Bach.

[Weimartoccata]

what do you mean by saying Gould plays in "black and white"? You are not saying anything specific by that statement. Also, how do you know that there is too much Gould and not enough Bach? From my viewpoint, Gould is bringing Bach to life. If you can't know how Bach actually played, then how do you know Gould isn't bringing out the essence of Bach rather than of Gould? You agree with me about Gould's strengths but still persist in vague criticisms of Gould's playing. Why?

[KennYWooD2]

You don't need to know how Bach played. The essence, as you say, is in the music itself. What I mean by black and white, is that, I find too much of the abstract element in his playing, rather than, to use a cliche, a human touch. I'm not denying Gould's genius, I'm saying that Gould, was more about Gould, than Bach, or any other composer he played. Many of his interpretations are completely out of character, which, as I said earlier, is found in the music itself.

[Weimartoccata]

you say the character is in the music itself. How do you know that Gould is not doing full justice to it? I think most of Gould's playing decisions are based on what is printed on the page, and also on knowledge about Barogue practices. In my opinion, Gould adds less to the music in his interpretation than Schiff. Schiff adds all sorts of rubato which although beautiful, are nevertheless Schiff's and not Bach's. What was "completely out of character". What makes you think you know that?

[Weimartoccata]

Actually to be precise it's rhythmic compression (overdefinition) more than rubato. I just think that while very "pretty" to listen to it makes the playing more like Schubert or Beethoven, which takes away some of the appeal. I like my Bach to be as pure as possible, opening up infinite possibilities of hearing different lines in the music. This is the most difficult aspect of playing Bach and is why Gould is an undisputed master. I think mostly we just differ in how attuned our ear is.

[KennYWooD2]

I'm not talking about what is printed on the page (of which outside of the notes in Bach's case there's very little in terms of direction). I'm talking about the music ITSELF. Schiff, is as well versed in baroque practises as anyone (and more so than most). That said, I'm not saying Gould, wasn't. Do you play? If so, then you should know what I mean in regard to musical character and the difference between a musical performance and one that's not.

[Weimartoccata]

I am only asking you to name me one of the Variations that you think is out of character, and why. That way, I can argue the point. You are not being specific, and there is no way to have an argument that goes anywhere if you won't make detailed statements about the music. Shouldn't matter at all whether I play, but I do.

[Weimartoccata]

You are right that Bach gives few dynamic or expressive indications. However, an educated musician will be able to glean very much just from notes (and rests). Therein lies the spiritual content of the piece.  So indeed, to arrive at the music ITSELF (as you put in caps). you must start by very carefully reading the printed page, meditating on it over and over again. Amazing how this is not understood among even advanced musicians.

[Weimartoccata]

How does Black and white equate to abstract? Aren't they practically opposites? So I see now you don't really seem to be able to argue precisely and keep changing what you're saying and you say nothing specific (for fear you might expose your musical illiteracy, perhaps?) Anyway it's fun to mess with simpletons.

[Weimartoccata]

I don't mean to imply you are dumb sorry if that's what came across. I just would rather have a more open debate than just you saying "there's too much Gould, not enough Bach" over and over. You should be specific about what you mean, dude. If you want to talk about certain details of Gould's (or Schiff's ) playing then I will talk! I enjoy that.

[KennYWooD2]

Never mind. Your previous comment went much too far. I am, by no means, musically illiterate; my dissertation, in fact, was on the Goldbergs. There's not nearly enough room here to make every point I'd like to make, and at the moment, I don't have the time to argue as I have lessons to give shortly. I'm sorry that you chose to lose control and attack me, though I do see that you attempted to apologize. I accept that, but have no desire to continue now.

[Weimartoccata]

Wouldn't you like to prove your credentials? then talk music... I have studied this work so I'm ready to talk about measure numbers and specific variations and more specifically would discuss why Gould plays with a certain character. but seems you are afraid to do so and instead act like your an authority on the subject or something. Oh yeah ? then try me! maybe you'll have a chance to prove you are.

[Weimartoccata]

I think schiff is a great pianist. However, his performance compared side by side with Gould just goes to show how awesome Gould is. I think any of you who prefer Schiff should give it some real thought and listen to both recordings (I mean the later gould recording not the earlier). If after some real meditative listening you still prefer Schiff, try doing some strong pot and then listen again this will make you more objective. I guarantee the Gould will appeal to you more afterward.

[Weimartoccata]

(I think Kennywood2 has just become another casualty of the weimartoccatinator).

[MilitantScience]

I prefer Schiff, always have.

Although, don't get me wrong, Gould is also profound. However, I feel that with Gould, a lot of his popularity is over-done; almost resembling that of a cult:

I think partly to do with Gould's incessant humming and shitty recording! As well as his often oddball interpretations, which are good, but are not (for me) of Schiff's quality.

I often feel that if Schiff was more eccentric, then Gould's "cult" would be more easily on board....just like this cunt.

[ArthurJuncker]

Since Landowski, students have been taught to play Bach in an aloof and mechanical manner, raising speculation that Bach himself was an aloof and mechanical person. Let's review: contemporary accounts say he rattled cathedral windows testing organs, pulled his famous dagger on Geyersbach, got into yelling matches with council members during services...he and his music are wildly romantic, and Schiff addresses that in this performance.

Professor of Music

GavilanCollege

[Weimartoccata]

I like what you're saying and fully agree, as long as you are not implying that Gould's interpretation is aloof and mechanical. I hope that's not what you mean. Gould's variation of articulation and clarity of expression of multiple lines at once is anything but mechanical. Extremely precise, yes; but not mechanical.

[easyguy4u]

Precise? tere is no need toplay Bach oter than te composer wrote it. thx god this trend of free overinterpretation is over. Gould was interesting and a phenomenon at his time, but this is 40-50yrs ago and was only a phase in history of interpretation.

[Weimartoccata]

what do you mean? First of all, Gould's recordings were made as recently as 28 yrs ago, and it is undeniable that he is still a phenomenon today. So you somehow think that Gould was not playing the music how Bach intended? How do you know? You obviously don't have any idea what you are talking about, and in addition you don't even have the coordination to type correctly let alone play the piano.

[mesoxyz]

+10

[Box1Fan]

JS Bach had God himself moving his hand and it gives me pride in being both human and European. Andrew Yale

[lareneggeneral]

You are a damm racist. "proud to be european" what the hell is wrong whit U??

[Box1Fan]

JS Bach had God himself moving his hand and it gives me pride in being both human and European. Andrew Yale

[8nitking8]

I am following Schiff in his Beethoven Sonatas' cycle and it was nothing but wonderful... a life time experience. Everyone should listen to him LIVE at least once...

[gunmenow]

you can download it from the Guardian website.

[HerrWarja]

@8nitking8 He is coming to Gothenburg next season to play Beethoven and Schubert, unfortunatley this work, but I woulnd miss it for the world anyway!

[sanjosemike]

OPEN TO MANY INTERPRETATIONS

Gould: Exciting, very fast, crystal clear, background singing

Koopman: Extra-added decorations, harpsichord instead of piano, slower tempi, no runs or scales added though

Parahia: More orchestral, but always careful. No added anything.

Schiff: Added decorations, some runs between connecting sections (on second pass), never too fast, inner voices credited...

Everyone has their own ideas, but it is always beautiful...being Bach.

sanjosemike

[YevgeniyAlexey]

Thanks for posting.

What a lucky day to find this treasure on youtube. Andras Schiff is my favourite Bach interpreter on the piano. His Bach is crystal clear and yet full of pensive temperament.

Gould uses Bach as material to apply his unique style of interpretation. Gould

emphasises the interpretation not the music of Bach.

yet full of

[Matteo7419]

I'm a Gould lover and I think his VG 1981 recording is still insuperable; but I have to admit that this is the first time I hear a pianist who doesn't try to imitate the GG way of playing this piece. Shiff has a true personal view of the Goldberg and it's a pleasure to listen to it. I don't understand why he pretends to have a public, when it's clearly visible that nobody moves, so they are dummies. Incomprehensible indeed.

[gunmenow]

u were kidding

[Matteo7419]

Absolutely not, my friend. Infact the video recording's been cut before the (non-exixtent) applause.

[Andrespilar1]

Matteo, they re not dummies!! Look at the end of the 24th variation (14´30) there a are some movements in the audience... (I guess they are not robots!!)

Good version, but as you say, the 1981 Gould version is insuperable. In fact, Bach by Gould is absolutely insuperable...

[Andrespilar1]

Sorry! 13´55. Look that people moving... Abrazo

[FrickeGuitar]

@Matteo7419 Look at about 1:50, they are not dummies

[klaverfar]

Schiff is a romantic pianist; he makes everything sound like composed by Schubert. Thank god for Gould and like!

[adrct]

Untrue. Schiff is more concerned with authentic renditions than Gould himself, who used to allow himself to be very eccentric.

[klaverfar]

I know it's futile to ask a question that has been asked million times before: how on earth do you know what an authentid rendition of Bach is? Have you heard Bach play?

[8nitking8]

Have you listened to him live? Post your comments appropriately after you did. He is one of the greatest pianist living right now so giving him a -5 shows how much you know about musik. Sorry.

[klaverfar]

Considering I'm posting on the Worshippers of Schiff's page I don't think minus 5 is so bad... And yes, I heard Schiff live as late as yesterday in Copenhagen, playing Schubert(!), which he does better than anyone in the world. I just said that he can't play Bach, without making it sound romantic, and I don't find that 'authentic': Gould is a better Bach pianist, but hopeless at Romantics.

[KennYWooD2]

He can't play Bach? Quite obviously you've no idea what you're talking about. Nor is Gould a better Bach pianist. Define "authentic" please.

[klaverfar]

It wasn't me calling for authenticity, it was adrct. On the opposite, I objected to the idea that there is such a thing when it comes to Bach playing, that is why I put the word in inverted commas. And yes, I do know what I'm talking about.

[samuso86]

fantastic! only 2000 views?! some chord patterns you never get bored of haha especially when themes are developed as creatively as this

[solti]

huwow!!!i wanna see him perform the italian concerto too.

[svensdascha]

Great. Such a relief to watch Schiff over Gould. I just watched Lang Lang play Rach 3; how painful to watch regardless of talent. This is a perfect student video on how to play the piano. I have Schiff's 48 p & f's and he plays this just as well. Muchos gracias a gunmenow, tiene una noche bueno.

[gunmenow]

I just like his finger work, so clear, natural and nicely controlled.

[pianist35]

What's so Superb in Shiff?Can't you hear the rhythmical unevenness of the 8th notes in the 18th variation?He plays them faster than the tempo he's actually playing the whole variation.This is a romantic way of interpretation that doesn't comply with Bach's style.Two bars of his playing are enough for me to say that Shiff can not be compared to Gould,because of his unstableness in tempo and frivolous playing - it looks as though he's playing tunes in a restaurant.

[enantiodrom]

Nobody can exactly know how was the way of playing in terms of tactus in Bach's style, so it's impossible saying that Schiff's tempi don't comply with the agogica of the composer.

[lourak]

What is most striking about Schiff's performance, is the unimpeded and unaffected musical flow. Pure, natural musicality - and in a "singing style" as intended by Bach - as Bach himself states in his introduction to the inventions. This is unfortunately often lost - even among the great Bach interpreters.

[maggierose57]

Schiff is SUPERB. Bach's music, as always, is magnificent.

[Dzikslol]

I really like it. It's solid, just as Bach would meant it to be.

[caeksauce8]

beautiful. i prefer gould over schiff but they're both amazing..

[ulyssesjj]

I used to prefer Gould, but Andras is like a colour photograph and Gould is a crisp Black and white picture