Goldberg

Musica Baltica Volume 4 Johann Jeremias Du Grain was on familiar terms with the musical greats of his era. He learned the musical trade from Telemann, who was already famous at the time, and he assisted the very busy Handel with the composition of a festive cantata for the five hundredth anniversary of Elbing, his chosen place of residence. One hears traces of these illustrious surroundings in Du Grain's own cantatas, which Andrzej Szadejko and the Goldberg Baroque Ensemble are now presenting for the first time on this audiophile multichannel release in the Musica Baltica series. Du Grain's cantatas not only represent the very best of their times; they are also extraordinarily appealing.

Two of Barry Goldberg's best albums from the late '60s, Reunion and Two Jews Blues, are combined on this single disc. There's some very hot playing on these two albums, particularly from Mike Bloomfield on Two Jews Blues, but they sound a little dated and don't quite burn as hot as some blues-rock albums from the late '60s. Nevertheless, this does capture Goldberg's two best records, which makes it both a good summary of his peak and a good introduction to his sound.

This box set of all Mozart's mature Sonatas for piano and violin is astonishing. It reveals the deep pleasure of music making, the mutual respect between two outstanding musical personalities of different generations, and some of the greater insights into sublime music that have been set down. The balance and the joy are breath-taking, and from beginning to end, it's hard to imagine the works being played differently.

Even those who may be unfamiliar with his music will likely recognize Johann Goldberg's name in association with J.S. Bach's famous Goldberg Variations, the story behind which is so speculative as to not bear repeating here. Goldberg was in fact a student of the elder Bach's as well as W.F. Bach. So similar was Goldberg's early use of counterpoint, texture, and chromaticism to his teacher's that one of the trio sonatas heard on this album – the one in C major – was actually listed for many years in the BWV as being by Bach. Regrettably for listeners, Goldberg died before his 30th birthday; like Brahms, he was his own worst critic and destroyed copious amounts of his own compositions.

Although these are unquestionably performances of impeccable musicality and taste, I found that Goldberg's tendency to underplay his part at times led to a little disappointment. In the A minor Sonatina of 1816, with its almost obsessional pathos, the two instrumentalists are models of classical purity, but the Pole is a bit static in the slow movement. Their hypersensitivity and immaculately polished use of tone are employed to keep the music within limited emotional confines. Goldberg's reticent way with the A major Sonata-Duo in particular makes the piece emerge as rather small-scale. The recorded balance between the two is relaxed and pleasing in these pieces.

After the first two recordings for ARS PRODUKTION, which were dedicated to the rare gems of the string trio repertoire, the excellent Trio Goldberg now turns its attention to Beethoven, whose works have formed a central part of the ensemble's program since it was founded. The three Trios Op. 9 (1797/98) were considered by Beethoven himself to be his most mature compositions at the time they were written. Prepare yourself to be transported into the intense musical world of Beethoven and discover the fullness of these masterpieces.

Forty years ago, on September 2, 1982 – the year of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Steven Spielberg’s E.T. – Glenn Gould’s legendary second recording of the Goldberg Variations closed a circle that his revolutionary 1956 recording of Bach’s masterpiece had opened. While his first recording is the exuberant, fast-paced work of a 22-year-old pianistic prodigy, his second is the measured, richly detailed interpretation of an experienced studio artist. Just five weeks later, the Canadian pianist died unexpectedly, leaving the world a masterpiece of recording art that – awarded two GRAMMYs – is still one of the most listened to classical albums worldwide.

Bach's monumental Goldberg Variations stand alone in the piano literature as a work of unique artistry and brilliance. Lang Lang first began exploring this masterpiece more than 20 years ago and presents this record as the outcome of a long personal and emotional journey. Marking a new stage in Lang Lang's artistic development, it is the project of a lifetime. Alongside a studio recording is a contrasting performance, a single take from a recital in Leipzig's iconic St Thomas Church, where Bach worked and is now buried. The heart of this project is the deluxe edition - a unique, word-first offering with simultaneous studio & live recording.

At first blush, performing J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations on marimba may seem an odd match, not merely because the instrument is an unusual choice, as opposed to the conventional piano or harpsichord, but also because its rich, dark tone is an acquired taste and a bit much for a work of over 50 minutes.