Details: Glenn Gould (1932-1982): A State of Wonder - The Complete Goldberg Variations 1955 & 1981. Sony, 2002. Total time (3 discs): 153:07.
It is Epic Friday! The Canadian pianist Glenn Gould announced himself to the world with his debut recording of J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations which were first published in 1741 and originally played on harpsichord as the piano was not widely available at the time.
Recorded in four days in New York City in June 1955, when Gould was just 22 years old, the album was released shortly after New Year's Day 1956 to great acclaim. Both the musician and the formerly obscure musical composition he recorded became international sensations virtually overnight.
The piece consists of a lyrical aria theme and 30 variations thereof and finally the main aria theme again. In each part of this work -- no matter how intricate, complex, simple, fast or slow -- Gould makes the piano practically sing. Over the years I have heard stories of countless people who claim that this recording had a miraculous effect in their lives when they first heard it, even some folks saying it saved them from despair and hopelessness.
I frequently exclaim, ARE YOU KIDDING ME, when listening to the 1955 recording which is just stunning. Almost still a kid at age 22, Gould put this out as his first offering to the world. Here I am! he seems to be declaring with certainty. It ain't bragging when you can do it, as the saying goes.
Disc 2, his 1981 recording of the same work, also recorded in NYC at the same studio as the original, is remarkable to listen to especially right after the 1955 debut. He is 48 here not 22 and the recording is considerably quieter, certainly nothing like the brashness of 1955. He plays the piece more slowly, intentionally and in places more contemplatively and with his staccato much more distinct. He includes repeats here unlike the shorter, faster 1955 version. The 1981 version was released in 1982, the same year of Gould's death from stroke at just age 50.
Both recordings are historic interpretations of a thoroughly complex set of Bach variations which richly explore keyboard possibilities through counterpoint, fugue and dance.
The third disc in this 2002 collection includes his final radio interview in Toronto in August 1982 just a few weeks before his death, and outtakes from the 1955 original recording session. The radio interview with Tim Page is eerie to listen to knowing Gould had his fatal stroke a month later. Gould sounds so relaxed, intelligent, authoritative, and energetic here. He was known as a great conversationalist and displays an engaged interactive style with his interviewer along with a hilarious sense of humor and that trademark singing.
The radio interview is nearly an hour long. He talks about growing older and his lifelong love for counterpoint, and discusses piano technique and favorite composers as well as comparing and critiquing his own 1955 and 1981 Goldberg recordings. Fascinating to hear this interview.
As for the music, along with the opening/closing aria theme I think my favorites are Variations 1, 5, 7, 19, 28 and 29. This album is likely in my top 5...just for the 1955 recording alone. The radio interview is a real bonus to have in addition.
"The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenaline but rather the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity."
- Glenn Gould
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