Minsoo Sohn - Bach Goldberg Variations for Piano | Classical Music CD & Digital Download | Perfect for Relaxation, Study & Meditation

While true that for me, the power and majesty of a Beethoven symphony in full flight can truly be an unequaled listening experience, it also is true that variations in interpretation will alter that experience, sometimes to its detriment. Bernstein's propensity for painfully slow tempo's come to mind and can be tedious. Solo keyboard literature though, as a vehicle for interpretation is ideal because by definition, it is uniquely personal. When I first discovered Glenn Gould's debut 1955 recording of the Goldberg Variations I was enthralled. Years later I compared it to Gould's 1982 recording of the same work, but now I was mesmerized! What was so different? What had changed? Total cd playing time for 1955 recording was 38:25. The 1982 cd playing time ran 51:18. Thirteen minutes longer. For me Gould's slower and more dramatic 2nd interpretation brought Bach's masterpiece in clearer focus. It is with these thoughts that I wholeheartedly recommend the 2011 release of Minsoo Sohn's Bach Goldberg Variations. The power and emotion that Mr Sohn infuses into an almost " astonishing mysterious power", as Eric Friesen writes in his liner notes, is obvious. Unlike Bernstein, slower is better when coupled with emotion and spirituality! The total cd running time on Sohn's recording is 75:04....an astonishing 37 minutes longer than Gould's 55 recording, and practically twice as long. It is 24 minutes longer than his 82 release. Once again I emphatically and wholeheartedly recommend this recording. Not because it is paced slower, but because of its raw emotion and intensity which accounts for its duration. And its power. You will not be dissatisfied..... Jack in Tampa Bay.