Bach - Goldberg Variations you favourite


These variations have been my constant companion for the last sixty years and I have a few firm favourites spanning that time and more. I believe they are with Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations the consummate art of the western civilisation.
Could you please list which ones you listen to most.
My selection is Arrau , Gould 1955 , Schiff 1983 , Dershavina , Rana and Levit.
jim204

Showing 2 responses by jndean

Vikingur  Olafsson’s Bach recording is incredible. I have been listening to it each morning and cannot get the melodies out of my head. I would love to hear from him a recording of the Goldbergs.
John Dean
I agree with the near perfection of the Goldberg Variations. I never become tired of hearing them. My favorites would be Dinnerstein, Angela Hewitt, and Beatrice Rana. Also mentioned is Murray Perahia. It was John Atkinson’s favorite in the past. I have heard recently a live concert with Alexandre Tharaud. Excellent. His recorded Goldberg is on the Erato label. I have all including Glenn Gould. His verbal utterances can be a bit distracting to me.
Bach once said, “ The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” His opinion only, but one can get a glimpse of that when listening to the Goldbergs.
John