Goldberg Variations

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Composer : Johann Sebastian Bach
Piano : Angela Hewitt

Product Details

Binding : Audio CD
EAN : 0034571173054
Label : Hyperion
Number of Discs : 1
Product Group : Music
Release Date : 2000-02-22
Running Time : 78minutes
UPC : 034571173054

ASIN : B00004S3B4

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Editorial Reviews

From Amazon.co.uk

The set of variations which Bach wrote for the young virtuoso Goldberg to play to their patron, the Russian ambassador, were intended to be heard either in groups or one at a time. Hewitt's sensitive and intelligent performance is particularly notable for its tact and sense of decorum. The use of piano instead of harpsichord brings a forensic clarity and a plangent sense of the music's emotional content without importing an inappropriate level of drama to the proceedings. She is particularly eloquent in some of the slower variations, such as the intense and private No. 25, but is also highly effective in the sprightlier dance movements, such as No. 19. --Roz Kaveney

Customer Reviews

Bach and Hewitt as close friends (2004-06-30)

In my opinion there is a much neglected aspect of J.S. Bach: his love affair with life in itself. There is always a lot of talk about Bach and God, but Bach was first of all a man who understood to enjoy life in a deeper sense: with a full range of feelings and a full range of thoughts. The latter he produced himself in musical form.

Angela Hewitt understand these things, and that's why you should listen to this record. Her playing and choice of tempi and colours comes from within and are not mannered. She and Bach is talking about something important. They enjoy theire meeting. And you are there with them.

Good, but not Perahia (2003-11-07)

This is a solid, well played Goldbergs. I find the recorded sound a little dry but okay. The liner notes are very fine. Still, this shouldn't be your first, or even second, Goldbergs. First prize must go to Gould 2; even with all his quirks, this is one of the summits of pianism. As a second Goldbergs I'd suggest the Perahia, which is romantic in style and full in sound. The choice for a third recording is wide open, but Hewitt would certainly be in the running. One not to miss, however, is her album of Bach transcriptions. Maybe purchase that instead of her Goldbergs.

Desert Island 'Goldberg" (2003-05-05)

If you are looking to hear the "Goldbergs" performed on piano, this is the one to get. Hewitt has proven herself again and again in regards to the Bach keyboard works (check out her recording of the Six Partitas and the Toccatas!) and her "Goldbergs" are as pleasing as you could hope to find.

The version you'll come back to. (2000-10-18)

Either of Gould's versions of this astonishing music are magnificent intellectual achievements and might challenge you more, but they aren't exactly what I would call daily listening! Hewitt's performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations on piano is a performance you can live with and play every day. She strikes a perfect balance between pianistic coloring and crisply articulated clarity, allowing you to follow every individual voice while being fully alert to the dramatic possibilities of the work as a whole. The aria which opens and concludes the set is played rather more slowly than usual, but without losing the musical flow. And who really cares how slow it goes, because it's one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.

Hyperion has done its usual excellent packaging job that affirms its reputation as one of the best classical musical labels in the world. The written notes are terrific as well.

Buy it today -- it's an investment that will reap rewards for your ears and soul for many years to come.

The Emotion and Passion That is.....Bach! (2000-07-17)

This performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations is of the highest caliber of any rendition of these works in many decades. The technical aspect of Angela's recording is virtually flawless, with a minimum of pianistic effect, which is exactly the way in which these pieces are supposed to be played. Listening to this gives one the feeling that this work is being played on harpsichord, which is the original instrument for which the variations were written, but indeed, this performance was recorded on the piano, and with excellent sound quality. All repeats are observed here, and are played with a slightly different dynamic, be it softer or louder, which is quite proper for Bach's period. Angela's phrasing, and her ability to produce a pure legato effect without use of the pedal adds much to the authenticity of this performance.

This recording, as well as Angela's other Bach recordings, belong in the collection of every Bach enthusiast as Angela is one of a very few who truly bring out the warmth, emotion and passion that is....Bach!

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