BaL 18.02.12 - Bach Goldberg Variations

[Tony Halstead]

I too knew George, and like NK. used to turn pages for him at concerts and recordings. I dont believe he was that happy with his Goldbergs and always wished he could have another crack at it. He wasn't comfortable in the studio and much preferred performing live. I haven't listened to his version for years but will certainly dig it out again now. Its the centenary of his birth next year and i do hope the BBC will do some sort of tribute - NK would be the ideal presenter. A number of events are currently being planned.

He once related to me a story of a disastrous 'live broadcast' that he did in France, when he was obliged to use a Landowska-style PLEYEL harpsichord, whose pedals were 'negative' ones, i.e. in their 'default ' positions ( up / at rest) they operated all the registers, i.e. 8', 4', 16' . He said that, unfortunately in his 'boozing days', in that particular concert, at a climactic moment he depressed all the pedals and was left with a totally silent keyboard 'a la Joseph Cooper'... !

[Lordgeous]

Great story! George's interesting sleeve notes for Schiff's first Goldbergs here: http://www.georgemalcolm.co.uk/goldbergs.html

[Lordgeous]

Get your George Malcolm Goldbergs here.

Is this a reissue of George's Decca recording or a fresh version, does anyone know?

[Bryn]

Is this a reissue of George's Decca recording or a fresh version, does anyone know?

The final paragraph of the notes on the page linked to make it clear that whatever the precise provenance of this recording, it was reviewed by ORYX in 1964.

Further evidence here.

[Lordgeous]

Many thanks.

[Beef Oven!]

Funny enough, I struggle with Esfahani's Goldberg, too. Maybe because it’s the Glenn Gould recordings that I have listened to with most familiarity.

[BBMmk2]

Funny enough, I struggle with Esfahani's Goldberg, too. Maybe because it’s the Glen Gould recordings that I have listened to with most familiarity.

Perish the thought Glenn Gould?!?!? My goodness! no thank you either!

[Beef Oven!]

Perish the thought Glenn Gould?!?!? My goodness! no thank you either!

[BBMmk2]

Afraid so Beefy, I just could bare the way his interpretation or playing was going though. I heard both versions(two in the 1950s wasn't it?

[Beef Oven!]

1955 & 1981, I think. Piano.

[BBMmk2]

1955 & 1981, I think. Piano.

You could be right. I heard both and didn't like his interpretations.

[Richard Barrett]

1955 & 1981, I think.

Indeed. Well, I find Gould fascinating in many ways but I don't much like listening to his playing. I prefer Bach's music to be allowed to "speak" for itself, whatever instrument it's played on.

[Bryn]

1955 & 1981, I think. Piano.

Well, if you are only considering his studio recordings, yes, but are there not at least a couple of live recordings too?

e,g,



I seem to recall another on the CBC label, dating from a 1954 performance.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I prefer Bach's music to be allowed to "speak" for itself, whatever instrument it's played on.

The only way to do that is to leave it on the printed page.

[BBMmk2]

The only way to do that is to leave it on the printed page.

It's always down to the artists' interpretation, unfortunately!