Glenn Gould - Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 [12 - 19]

Pianist: Glenn Gould (1932 - 1982)
Photos: All rights reserved to Life magazine

The majority of the photos were taken during the recording sessions for Gould's 1955 debut recording of the Goldbergs.

While I realize the "Gouldbergs" are in abundant supply here on YouTube, I felt I would give a rendition of my own. I wanted to do something in tribute of Glenn, and I couldn't come up with a better idea than the Goldbergs. I hope they capture as many new listeners as old, and perhaps make fans for Bach and Gould alike.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Glenn Gould Bach Goldberg Variations
• BWV 988 12 19

[DesertAnnie]

Thank you for these great selections from Bach's Goldberg Variations and the wonderful pictures from Life magazine (such nice, clear ones, too)! They have certainly 'held up well' through all these years, and then to end up on YouTube, for all to see, hear and to enjoy! Kudos to you for sharing them! ;-)

[amadeus9man]

Thank you for your thoughts, and it means a great deal coming from such a devoted Glenn fan. I also posted his rendition of the French Suites.

[Theonedue]

Can anyone hear one wrong note? I cant. Just beautiful.

[BitterHeaven369]

My music teacher brought me here (i'm in grade 9) thanks Mr. P! :)

[fenderbender92]

@HerlockSholmes123 I like both. I'd follow Gould, or any other interpreter of Bach, anywhere.

[Arnoldiepin]

@HerlockSholmes123 I don't see how you can condemn Gould's first recording to "sucking", no matter what you may think of his interpretation (particularly choice of tempos), technique, or otherwise. The superb technicality of his playing in the 1955 recording, again simply can't be dismissed as sucking, even viewing the question on the superficial level of 'how many other 23-year-olds of the time produced such a work as this, as their "debut album"'. It is a stunning feat!

[jesch1689]

MMMmmmmmm  I need a cigarette. Jesus.

[quelbop]

gorgeous photos-thankyou.

On the whole i prefer the 82 version (not least becuase he observes some of the repeats) and the live Salzburg but Variation 12 is another matter. This is very special indeed.

[ivero2]

How is it possible not to like this absolutely wonderful music?

[sudvej]

Impossible!!!

[jdk458]

I wouldn't say "'55 sucks," but I do feel like his tempos are a little too fast for my liking. I do prefer the '82 recording, like he's coming back to an "old friend" and viewing it through a very different lens as a result of years of experience. I also like the recent Murray Perahia recording.

[MucusFelidae]

From there has the Hammerklavier its name.