a| 5099708770327

a| eng

4| cmp a| Bach, Johann Sebastian d| 1685-1750 1| http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q1339 9| 4766

a| A State of Wonder: b| The Complete Goldberg Variations

b| Sony c| 2002

a| 2-CD

a| The career of the singular and idiosyncratic pianist Glenn Gould is probably best defined by his two recordings of Bach's Goldberg Variations. The first, his major-label debut recorded in 1955, was Gould's breakthrough. A brashly virtuosic performance, it blew the doors off the established notions of playing Bach and catapulted the pianist into superstardom. The second, recorded shortly before his death in 1982, finds a more deliberate Gould giving a poised, introspective reading of the work that brilliantly articulates its emotional intensity. A STATE OF WONDER offers these legendary recordings in remastered versions along with a third disc of outtakes from the 1955 sessions and Gould's carefully scripted final radio "interview." The side-by-side comparison afforded by this excellent package makes for a fascinating listening experience. The two versions are vastly different but both bear the unmistakable stamp of the iconoclastic pianist's characteristic clarity, precision, and dedication. Each could easily be considered a quintessential performance. The remastering is of particular value to the later recording, rescuing it from the unfavorable sound quality of primitive digital technology. This elegantly produced set is a fitting tribute to a remarkable and individualistic artist. It deserves a place on any music lover's shelf.

a| 18th Century (1701-1800) 1| http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q7015 9| 20899

a| 20th Century (1901-2000) 1| http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q6927 9| 20936

a| Goldberg Variations 1| http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q213728 9| 24856

a| Piano 1| http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q5994 9| 2127

a| Canada 1| http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q16 9| 21662

4| prf a| Gould, Glenn d| 1932-1982 e| Piano 1| http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q216924 9| 16347

c| REC

a| audio

b| ORPH c| ORPH j| ORPH.

d| 19084