Title: Goldberg Variations
Artist: Bach, J.S. / Angelich, Nicholas
Label: Erato
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 5099907066429
Genre: Classical

Bach: Goldberg Variations / Nicholas Angelich, Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach, Performer: Nicholas Angelich, Whenever I have heard him in the past, Nicholas Angelich has seemed like a very heavy-handed pianist. Everything about his playing is strident and confident, not percussive as such; his sense of phrasing and legato is developed enough to avoid that accusation, just heavy. That sort of approach works well enough for Brahms, his recording of the Second Concerto is excellent, but he only has to take it back as far as Beethoven and the textures begin to get swamped by the sheer weight of his playing. When the variations proper begin, Angelich's trademark heavy touch begins to make itself apparent. With the exception of the quieter variations, the playing throughout is forceful and confident, but always flowing and lyrical. Angelich lifts many of the textures through carefully judged details. The relationship between the written notes and the ornaments, for example, is fascinating. By presenting the written notes with such surety, he is able to contrast the ornaments, which are usually lighter and often very slightly belated. That's a nice touch, although perhaps the contrast is a little heavy. Something else that is very heavy is Angelich's bass lines. The question again arises over whether they are appropriately articulated of just heavy-handed. I would inclined toward the former, especially given the structural significance of these bass lines, and the fact that most other pianists emphasize the melodies to the detriment of left hand clarity. The liner doesn't mention what piano is used, but it has a warm, round sound and plenty of power towards the bottom, ideal for showing off this pianists strengths. The recorded sound emphasizes atmosphere over pinpoint clarity, but there is no excessive resonance, and Angelich ensures that every line of the counterpoint shines through. Bach isn't the sort of repertoire that you would expect to benefit from Angelich's Lisztian pianism, but there are a surprising number of insights here that more timid pianists, let alone harpsichordists, don't quite manage. That combination of lucid, legato phrasing and confident keyboard technique deliver satisfying, and always musical results. But musical as it undoubtedly is, I would struggle to describe this recording as subtle. However, if like me you feel that there is too much subtlety in most Bach interpretation these days, Angelich might just be the man for you. - Gavin Dixon, MusicWeb International

Tracks:
1.1 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Aria - Andante Espressivo 5:19
1.2 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 1 - Allegro Moderato 1:58
1.3 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 2 - Allegretto 1:56
1.4 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 3 - Canone All'unisuono (Poco Andante, Ma Con Moto) 2:02
1.5 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 4 - L'istesso Movimento 1:04
1.6 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 5 - Allegro Vivace 1:22
1.7 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 6 - Canone Alla Seconda (Allegretto) 1:24
1.8 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 7 - Un Poco Vivace 2:04
1.9 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 8 - Allegro 1:52
1.10 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 9 - Canone Alla Terza (Moderato) 2:31
1.11 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 10 - Fughetta (Un Poco Animato) 1:35
1.12 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 11 - Allegro E Leggiero 2:22
1.13 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 12 - Canone Alla Quarta in Moto Contrario (Allegretto Moderato) 2:05
1.14 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 13 - Andantino 4:51
1.15 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 14 - Allegro Moderato 2:09
1.16 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 15 - Canone Alla Quinta in Moto Contratrio (Andante) 5:10
1.17 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 16 - Ouverture (Maestoso - Allegretto) 3:01
1.18 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 17 - Allegro 1:48
1.19 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 18 - Canone Alla Sesta (Con Moto) 1:48
1.20 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 19 - Allegro Vivace 1:51
1.21 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 20 - Allegro 1:48
1.22 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 21 - Canone Alla Settima (Andante Con Moto) 2:39
1.23 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 22 - Alla Breve 1:29
1.24 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 23 - Allegro Moderato 2:07
1.25 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 24 - Canone All'ottava (Allegretto Con Moto) 2:54
1.26 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 25 - Andante Espressivo 7:11
1.27 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 26 - Allegro 1:55
1.28 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 27 - Canone Alla Nona (Un Poco Vivace) 1:50
1.29 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 28 - Allegro 2:27
1.30 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 29 - Brillante 2:15
1.31 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Variation 30 - Quodlibet (Moderato) 2:12
1.32 Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Aria Da Capo - Andante Espressivo 2:44

Bach, J.S. / Angelich, Nicholas: Goldberg Variations

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