MOG Editorial Review

Without Canadian pianist Glenn Gould's eccentric 1955 interpretations of Bach's Goldberg Variations, it's doubtful they would have amassed their current level of popular acclaim. Up until that point, most of his peers avoided this beautiful aria due to its degree of difficulty. Conversely, the then-22-year-old Gould was not only up to the task, but also added his own frantic sense of flair. Gould approached the 30 variations for harpsichord with an eye toward expansion. His piano interpretation is light and jaunty, airing much of the stodginess out of the original. This modern updating not only helped expose a new generation to Bach, but launched Gould's own storied career.