Goldberg Variations, BWV 988

Johann Sebastian Bach

BWV 988

Glenn Gould

1981

Gil's top recommendation and 'first place to start.' He prefers this second recording for its 'extra maturity.' The aria is beautiful, and the variations are 'animated, sometimes at breathless speeds,' full of a 'playfulness that Gould brings.'

Apple Music

Murray Perahia

2000

A gentler alternative to Gould. It has 'more of a uniformity to it,' 'wonderful balance and grace,' a 'beautiful tone,' and a 'gentle spirit.'

Apple Music

YouTube — Opening section only (parts 1–4).

Igor Levit

2015

A 'spectacularly brilliant pianist' who 'combines the clarity of Gould with the more sort of poetic feel that Perahia brings.' The interpretation is assertive, clear, controlled, suave, and very musical.

Apple Music — Goldberg Variations on an album with Beethoven and Rzewski.

YouTube — Aria only.

Rosalyn Tureck

1982 Live recording

A live recording with clear sound. It's more 'reflective,' 'slower,' 'ruminative,' and 'introspective' than Gould's, serving as a complement to it while still having rhythmic energy.

Trevor Pinnock

1980

A top harpsichord version. Features a 'beautiful instrument, just gorgeous full sound.' The interpretation is flexible but straightforward, highlighting the music's logic and creating a 'hypnotic effect.'

Apple Music

Ton Koopman

1987

This version has more tempo variation, ornamentation, and flexibility. The harpsichord has a 'pointed sound,' giving it a 'graceful, elegant feel.'

Pierre Hantaï

1992

Described as 'like taking a bath in this beautiful, luxurious sound.' The instrument is 'soft-grained' and 'gentle,' as is the interpretation.

Wanda Landowska

1933

A pioneering, 'captivating,' and 'animated' recording. It's 'very grounded,' 'penetrating,' and 'imaginative.' Gil warns that the sound 'does take for tolerance,' as the instrument itself is 'not the most pleasant sound.'