Variable

The Goldberg Variations were written supposedly as a practice piece on harpsichord for a pupil of J S Bach's called Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, hence the name. The scholarly exercise comprising an exquisite opening tune, thirty variations and a reprise of the theme demands a formidable technique so Herr Goldberg must have had his work cut out. Any reading needs dexterity, speed, lightness of touch, independant fingerwork and innate musicianship. As the modern performing age approached, it became an admired but largely avoided work until the famous recording by Glenn Gould. Many have since followed in his footsteps so the question is, which recording to select. The uniquely idiosyncratic one by Gould ? A harpsichord performance since that is what the piece was written to be played on ? Ultimately all down to personal preference of course and I have gone for a solid mainstream performance on a modern concert grand and in state of the art recorded sound by Murray Perahia. It's a cliche perhaps but listening to the Goldbergs is one of those times when it feels that the essence of western civilisation is being laid out before us.