Two non-Gould Goldbergs

Nowadays whoever records Bach's Goldberg Variations will inevitably be compared to Glenn Gould. Not only Gould's playing "redefined" Goldberg, it dominated the interpretations. Many people who loved Gould's interpretation never listened to another one.  They just couldn't tolerate it.

I happened to be listening the Gould's Goldberg lately (both the 1955 and 1981 versions). After that, I decided to play my other Goldberg CDs and see how they stand the comparison. I haven't finished listening to all of them, but here are the two Goldberg interpretations which stood the "Gould Test".

The first one is an orchestra version. In fact, it's more like an "orchestra" version of Gould's playing. Not only the recording is superb, the different sound colors of instruments actually make this adaptation richer. I have never heard the last variation (variation 30) being played so movingly in any other interpretations.

Then I found I started to listen to Murray Perahia's interpretation differently. His use of pedal, and rubato becomes obvious, but I didn't find them intrusive (some people did). On the contrary, I found his playing very reflective (and more humane).  He was also able to generate some sound effect (by use of pedal) that makes his piano interpretation more orchestra-like. (Gould seemed to be modeling his piano like a harpsichord.) It is a very modern approach.

I don't think I will finish all my other Goldberg soon, but I am happy to report, yes, there are other Goldberg worth listening.