Bach Goldberg Variations by Lang Lang - not here to challenge Gould
- Lisa Ruping Cheng
- Sep 2, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 3, 2020
I am a huge fan of the Canadian pianist Glenn Gould who made his name of being the greatest Bach interpreter by recording Bach's Goldberg Variations, BWV 988. His two signature recordings of Goldberg Variations, both in 1955 and in 1981, have long been an essential part of classical music lovers' collection. I have a copy of both recordings myself.
I believe any pianist who has the inspiration to learn and perform Goldberg Variations (Goldberg) is a serious one. I started this journey just 8 months ago. Without a doubt, when I knew that the world famous pianist Lang Lang is performing it and making a recording of it I got excited and have been following the news on instagram and Facebook. I am also a fan of Lang Lang.
Naturally, any contemporary pianist who is making a recording of Goldberg will face the critics of being compared to Glenn Gould, who has set the golden standard of this work. It is just an easy reaction from the audiences. For me, I applaud Lang's courage and artistic pursuit to perform and record Goldberg. I believe his virtuosity and personality will tell us if such effort is worthwhile.
Afterall, Bach belongs to everyone. Glenn Gould is Glenn Gould; Lang Lang will be Lang Lang.
While reading Lang's account about his journey, I was astonished by how long it took him to be ready to play Goldberg - 20 years. The more I study this work, the more I believe he is not joking. I am just starting to learn variation 13 after 8 months and there are 30 variations in total, in addition to Aria and Aria De Capo. I certainly feel better and no more feel frustrated about how much time it will take me to be "ready".
In art, there is never a state of perfection, but dedication. What you want to be is constantly in the process of achieving perfection, which is what you are doing as an artist. Only when we stay humble, we continue to learn. A new addition to the interpretation and interest in Goldberg will only benefit all who are hungry to see music being renewed, revisited, and revitalized.
Lang Lang will be hosting a live discussion on his Goldberg release on September 4. Follow his Facebook to sign up and get inspired today!
Glenn Gould's Bach Goldberg Variations recording (1981) can be found in spotify:
Gould has left invaluable (incredibly precious) HD film on complete Goldberg. Click below link to watch just a small part of it.
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