Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8874 in Music
• Released on: 2000-10-02
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds
• Running time: 73 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The American pianist Murray Perahia's new Sony recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations has such presence and immediacy that you will find yourself moved to listen to the entire 75-minute work without a break. Indeed, it would have been exceedingly rude not to, such is the power of this CD. The variations flow one to the other with hardly a break and no noticeable editing. The stream of ideas emanating from the initial haunting aria gathers momentum as the work progresses. Variation Five is the first thrilling lick. Variation Eight is a knuckle-knackering jig. Perahia hits the keys with such crispness that the bass strings twang like harpsichord notes. Variation 11 is the first fugue. Is it dry and dusty? No! It belts along like an arrogant student. Variation 14 is a test of hand crossing--you can hear the click of fingernails on keys. Variation 15 is minor for the first time, 16 is regal, 17 features bubbling thirds. Variation 21 temporarily halts the composer's exuberance with a sudden sombre lurch towards Luther like a guilty sinner repenting. The whole disc is a wonder from beginning to end and undoubtedly one of the finest tributes released in Bach Year 2000. --Rick Jones

Customer Reviews

the best of some brilliant recordings
I own 6 versions of the Goldberg Variations and this is the one I listen to now - it is about as perfect a combination of technique and inspiration as anyone could ever create - it is another step forward from Murray's other Bach recordings, themselves oustanding - even those hooked on Glen Gould will go for this one

Simply staggering
I bought this after hearing an extract on the radio. I already had the Glen Gould recording and had enjoyed it but not really listened to it very often. When I got my hands on the Murray Perahia recording I think I must have listened to it every day for three weeks. Perahia acheives wonderful clarity and precision. Listening to him play this wonderful music is pure pleasure. Certainly my favourite Bach recording and one of my all-time favourite recordings of any kind.

Golden Goldberg
I have to say that for me, there is J S Bach, and then there is every other composer. When I play my viola for recreation, the only composer I play is J S Bach. The point is that I am a serious admirer of Bach, and have some first-hand experience of how his music works. This album is one of the best examples I have encountered of his non-organ keyboard music being played with the exact balance of heart, soul, and intellect which J S Bach demands. Anyone who complains that J S is to cerebral should listen to this interpretation. Highly recommended. If you enjoy this, try the Deutsche Grammephone Gesellshaft recording of the Bach Suites for Cello Solo performed by Pierre Fournier.