"Gould's famous (1955) mono recording enjoys cult status to this day. He observes no repeats and in terms of sheer keyboard wizardry commands admiration. It is a remarkable performance. Any respectable piano collection should include Gould's debut Goldbergs, at any price."  The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs, 1999

52594 - Available on CD

Glenn Gould (1932-1982) burst on an unsuspecting musical world with this recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations; it seemed a new way of approaching Bach's keyboard works. His brilliant but eccentric musical personality, which eventually led to his withdrawal from public concerts altogether, was never more advantageously displayed than in his debut recording, the beginning of a relationship with Columbia and CBS Masterworks that continued until his untimely death.

By continuing to perform and record Bach's keyboard works on the piano, Glenn Gould set an example for a younger generation of pianists ( Murray Perahia, etc.) to consider their instrument a suitable vehicle for the performance of these keyboard masterpieces.

If you like this music...

• The Gould Variations: The Best of Glenn Gould's Bach