Comparing and Contrasting recordings of Bach's Aria from the Goldberg Variations
Bach's Aria from the Goldberg Variations is one of the most beloved melodies in the repertoire. It has been recorded countless times with many different interpretations. Share your favorite version, and we will compare and contrast the differences to hopefully spark new ideas and inspiration in our own performances of his music!
Find the start time in your time zone by clicking the photo or following this event link:
https://app.tonebase.co/piano/live/player/compare-recordings-bach-aria-goldberg
We are going to be using this thread to gather suggestions and questions!
- What questions do you have on this topic?
- Any particular area you would like me to focus on?
9 replies
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Great topic! I can’t make it live, but look very much forward to it!
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If I had to pick just one, it would be Glen Gould's later recording which I find to sound more introspective and reflective than his earlier recording which is much faster and polished. You can even faintly hear Gould humming (or groaning?) during the piece. But his performance helps the aria sound more like a prayer. It starts as a simple prayer, then evolves into a recounting of one's troubles or seeking of divine guidance before there's an epiphany or the realization of God's benevolence from the end of measure 26 through to the end. Thanks, Andrea Buckland , as I had originally credited Goldberg himself to this performance.
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I would love a text-form list of all the performances / performers that were discussed in this excellent session! Thanks again.
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This is a fascinating Livestream! I never knew that Gould had the fall board removed. I learned so much in this wonderful lesson. Thank you, Dominic! Thank you to all who asked questions!
I also hear the Fabbrini piano having a quicker decay like a harpsichord. It is so interesting to hear your incisive remarks highlighting the comparisons and contrasts of these interpretations! Voicings, ornamentation, repeats, tempi, articulation, timing, rubati, dynamics.
Gail is right! "Delicious food" indeed!
This is a testament to your energy, professionalism and skill, Dominic, that you were able to bring this to us on the very day when you had a performance in the evening -- likely within hours of this lesson! Thank you, again!
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Dear friends,
Seymour Bernstein wanted me to share a couple recordings of his own Bach Goldberg Aria, the first recorded when he was 48; the second recorded more recently during the pandemic, when he was 93:
1. https://youtu.be/CDO2O9KwYpk2. https://youtu.be/iMnltwP0Txc?t=69
Enjoy! And, I know he'd love to hear any reactions from the tonebase community about his performances. Let me know and I'll pass along. -
I've just watched this stream and recently started playing Goldberg again. Was wondering why I automatically played that rolled chord top down and realised I must have been influenced subconsciously by Gould's recording a decade ago to play it that way!