BACH. Goldberg Variations. Glenn Gould (piano).

Philips SBL5211 (12 in., 335. 81d.).

Landowska (5/54) ALP1139

Dennis (10/55) WLP5241

Leonhardt (5/56) PVL7010

With two piano versions and two harpsichord versions, competition is now equal, at least numerically. As AR left the matter, in his review of the Leonhardt performance, the better of the two harpsichord versions was Landowska's. Of the two pianists, there is no doubt whatever in my mind that Gould is superior in every way. Some of his tempi may be fast, but his is a speed connected with urgency more than with show or brilliance. He carries a phrase through a gigantic upward or downward sweep, effortless, controlled, and clear as crystal. Those listeners who, unlike Count Kayserling, fall asleep rather than keep awake through this forty-five minute ritual, will have no difficulty in keeping their eyes and ears open when they play this new Philips recording.

Gould has some of the clearest keyboard counterpoint I have heard for a long time and (unlike Demus) is sparing in his use of the pedal. Compare, for instance, the two versions of Variation 11, or of 14. In both cases Gould is faster, but the odd thing is that he is also clearer. Dennis produces a thick, rather muddy sound, makes too much of descending bass figures, and plods rather than plays. Sometimes I found it hard to believe that two corresponding variations were really the same music!

The Philips disc is helped by really splendid recording, with the piano tone full and sonorous, yet capable of the fine expressiveness required for Variations 21 and 25. This is a performance that I shall treasure, for it has the kind of architecture in tone which is often longed for but rarely found.

DS