Goldberg variations variations
I have two recordings of Bach’s Goldberg variations. One is
on LP, Glenn Gould’s 1955 recording. The other is on CD, Keith Jarrett’s 1989
harpsichord recording.
Of course, Gould recorded on piano, so comparing the recordings is fundamentally unfair as the instruments are so different. The harpsichord key drives a mechanism that plucks the strings, so there is no dynamic range. The piano mechanism hammers the strings, the pressure on the key creates a large dynamic range.
I just dusted off the Gould album and am listening to it now. Apart from the distinctive Gould precision, speed and interpretive touch, the piano recording is just more interesting to listen to. Not how Bach would have heard it, not authentic performance practice, but a real pleasure for the ears.
Of course, Gould recorded on piano, so comparing the recordings is fundamentally unfair as the instruments are so different. The harpsichord key drives a mechanism that plucks the strings, so there is no dynamic range. The piano mechanism hammers the strings, the pressure on the key creates a large dynamic range.
I just dusted off the Gould album and am listening to it now. Apart from the distinctive Gould precision, speed and interpretive touch, the piano recording is just more interesting to listen to. Not how Bach would have heard it, not authentic performance practice, but a real pleasure for the ears.
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