Glenn Gould: A State of Wonder – The Complete Goldberg Variations 1955 & 1981. Glenn Gould Discusses His Performances of the 'Goldberg Variations' With Tim Page. This item: Glenn Gould: A State of Wonder - The Complete Goldberg Variations 1955 & 1981 by Johann Sebastian Bach Audio CD $15.98 In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

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. Igraljnie karti shablon dlya pechati.

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.