How many times did Glenn Gould record the Goldberg Variations?
The late great Canadian pianist Glenn Gould made two significant and highly-acclaimed recordings of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, the first in 1955 when he was just 22, the second a quarter of a century later in 1981 when he was nearing the end of his life.
What is so special about the Goldberg Variations?
Consisting of an opening aria and then 30 different variations on it, the Goldberg Variations — named after its first performer Johann Gottlieb Goldberg and published in 1741 — is Bach’s most popular keyboard work, partly because it isn’t laden with the academic formality of the Well-Tempered Clavier, and covers so …
What is special about Glenn Gould?
Gould is one of the most acclaimed musicians of the 20th century. His unique pianistic method, insight into the architecture of compositions, and relatively free interpretation of scores created performances and recordings that were revelatory to many listeners and highly objectionable to others.
Why are the Goldberg Variations so called?
The Goldberg variations were first published in 1741, when Bach about 56 years old (in the last decade of his life). They’re named as such because a man named Johann Goldberg, a super skilled keyboardist, was likely the first one to perform it. The Goldberg Variations were originally written for harpsichord.
Are the Goldberg Variations hard?
Bach’s Goldberg Variations caused me misery – but I still can’t get enough. Bach’s towering keyboard masterpiece, by turns obsessive and joyous, is one of the most notoriously difficult pieces to grapple with.
How long are the Bach Goldberg Variations?
An interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations (BWV 988), the work launched Gould’s career as a renowned international pianist, and became one of the most well-known piano recordings….Bach: The Goldberg Variations (Glenn Gould album)
| Goldberg Variations | |
|---|---|
| Released | January 1956 |
| Recorded | June 10, 1955 – June 16, 1955 |
| Genre | Classical |
| Length | 38:34 |
Why are the Goldberg Variations so difficult?
The Goldberg variations were designed to be pleasant enough and listened as a coherent whole, so they are more sought after, resulting in a larger competition. And you can’t go easy on either the difficult or easy ones without impacting your overall performance.
Who did Bach compose the Goldberg Variations for?
Legend has it that Bach wrote the music to soothe the sleepless nights of one Count Kaiserling, who asked his private harpsichordist, Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, to perform the variations.
Did Glenn Gould have perfect pitch?
Glenn Gould was a classical pianist that only lived to 50 years old and stopped performing live concerts when he was 31-years-old. He was considered a musical genius from a young age and had developed perfect pitch by the age of three. It’s also said that he could read music before he could read words!