Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17461 in Music
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2002-09-03
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Limited Edition, Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .15 pounds

Customer Reviews

Excellent playing
In response to the last reviewer's concerns about the piano's sound in this recording, the dry, sharp sound has always been Gould's intention--it's as present in all of his recordings as is his singing. "An x-ray of the music," was how he put it, and in order to achieve that trademark clarity, Gould miced his piano very closely, hence the lack of the usual "resonance and depth" we're used to from many other piano recordings. In my opinion, closely miced Bach is the best way to record it, since a great level of transparency is achieved--ideal for appreciating the music's tonic progressions and letting each note be heard. In many ways Gould was achieving a more harpsichord-like sound (remember the harpsipiano?) with his recording techniques. All in all, this recording, along with Vol. 2, presents Gould in his consistant excellence. Can't tell at all that he didn't care much for the Toccatas!

Your mileage may vary
Glenn Gould most often recorded on his own personal piano, which was the type commonly known as an "upright". Another reviewer gave the opinion that this recording seemed to not be played on a grand piano, and I think he is correct. Certainly the odds are in favor of performance on an upright.

I do feel that this repertoire, if performed on a piano, would sound better on an upright; that's my personal opinion. Gould's sound is crisp and clear, with minimal or no sustain pedal.

The particular work I bought this recording for is the Toccata in c minor. Though I did enjoy this recording, I would have preferred a more deliberate pace, if not a more meditative approach. The work might encourage too much self-indulgence in the meditativeness department, and in my humble opinion, that would detract from a performance. Gould, though, goes too far in the opposite direction.

Despite my criticisms, I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm unlikely to find a better recording of the C minor Toccata than the one on the present disc!

Arch

It's Glenn Gould, but
Pro: Glenn Gould

Con: Humming and strange piano color

I bought this recording because of Glenn Gould. I fully anticipated this CD is from old recording, yet, I can't help to notice the color of the piano does not sound like a grand. It lacks the resonance, and the depth.

I also noticed humming along the music. I understand that maybe the humming helps the performer focus on the piece. However, I find it fairly annoying.