I was wondering how XXX sections could include the Aria twice and 30 variations, and found the mistake. After XVI, Variatio 15, the roman numbering drops back to XV instead of going on to XVII. Bach would have been annoyed. Worth correcting to complete the perfection of a wonderful performance of one of the greatest keyboard works of all time.
You have opened the door of the healing room You'll start to feel more comfortable by now while listening to this masterpiece From Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵
Such brilliance and soul. Only Glenn Gould’s second version of the Goldbergs has moved me to tears in the transition from the aria to the first variation. Now I have two. (Embarrassing for this tough old Irishman listening to this while his dear wife, a pianist in her youth, is sitting next to him.) Yes, there are many gifted pianist out there today (thank God), but somehow Yuan Sheng brought me to tears in that transition, and the mastery of the whole. Bravo maestro. And thank you.
Dear Mr. Sheng, unfortunately you will not read these lines. Nevertheless, I state my wish. Please also play in the English suites! Your Bach is the best I've heard so far. Many Thanks.
I'm almost without breath in discovering tonight this to me unknown pianist playing Bach with such fantasy, tenderness, fire when required, personality: sensationnel!
Yuan Sheng is amazing! This recording of the Goldberg Variations is just remarkable in every way. He shows utmost respect for the music. He has wonderful sensitivity, sound, articulation, and voicing. In my humble opinion, he deserves far more recognition!
Ringrazio di cuore colui che ha caricato su RUclips questa bellissima versione delle Variazioni Goldberg di Bach, eseguite dal pianista Yuan Sheng, che personalmente non conoscevo.
Le monde sans frontières, celui qui permet à la musique (aux arts en général et du plus haut niveau), d'appartenir à tous, nous prouve que la beauté est accessible à tous les humains de cette Terre. Ecouter ce pianiste issu de la patrie de Confucius ,nous donner, avec son génie propre, à entendre un génie allemand impérissable. Voilà qui abat toutes les frontières tracées par l'Homme. Mais il s'agit d'Art au sommet, qui n'a jamais besoin d'armes. Les artistes authentiques sont les seuls exemples que les humains doués de coeur, de sensibilité, de générosité,( les autres également et si possible), doivent prendre pour modèle. La Beauté qui suscite l'Amour doit être notre unique guide. Artistes de toute la terre vous êtes nos sauveurs. Les seuls !!!
I've become an old man with the unforgettable version of Glenn Gould. But I've last heard the Partitas with Yuan Sheng and he is like an other music lover said here in the comments, a titan. So once again dear Brillant Classics thankyou very much.
Frans Meersman I too “grew up” with Glenn. But sometimes I get tired of forced staccato passages where Bach never intended them, or a ridiculously accelerated tempo. Sanjosemike (no longer in CA)
I too like this quite nice sound , but it sounds more like Debussy than Bach. I still have not heard any better than Glenn Gould on this work. That's both of Glenn's versions.
Yuan Shang has quickly become one of my favorite pianists. Architecture and coloration are excellently balanced. The rhythms are always well thought out but executed with an attention to the unfolding moments of the present.
my nostrils flare.. my neck tingles.. my head is aroused with the sound of Bach.. this performance is an equal to the great GGs...is it better???...You who listen to sublime music....only know.. Thanks for reading my comments ......Harvey Perkoff
You have to wonder. It's more than notes on a scale. And, there are only a few composers that truly embrace, our heart and soul. I have a theory...these men and women are Angels on loan; God's way of letting us know, we are His beloved children and each note is a tap on our shoulder, with God saying, Be Loving And Good To One Another.
As a home grown Canadian I am enamored with Glenn Gould's interpretation. This however is crisp, articulate and has a lovely resonance in the treble. This is what I am falling asleep to tonight. The merits of Bach cannot be overestimated.
And as you might not know, these variations were composed in no small part to help JS Bach's patron relax and get some better quality sleep than he was getting at the time when the commission was entered into.
Bach’s keyboard compositions greatly benefit from being played on a modern piano. Don’t you agree? This recording was awesome. Many thanks for uploading!
Thanks, excellent, amazing piece for all! Sounds good n light, beautiful lovely music tune. Peace and calm the mind n heart. Absolutely love the combination of sounds n music! Infinite love!🙏🎶
I first tuned in to this performance just to see how Yuan Sheng managed such a monumental masterpiece. I stayed ans listened to every note! No since Glenn Gould's early recording of this work have I been so mesmerized! Yes, Sheng takes a few liberties with the 'style' - BUT - I often felt I was hearing these variations for the first time. Such superb control of touch. A magnificent performance! Thank you so much for uploading it.
Please hear both together. I have been listening to Gould's interpretations while going to bed almost every day since 1992, if my memory is correct, and I used to switch off the music player while accidentally getting up in the middle of the night. Additional advantage, in the case of Gould, was I didn't have to adjust the volume control of the music player often.
So beautifully phrased, well articulated, wonderful multi-voicing and shrewd contrasts, especially of emotions and styles. BIG, BIG THANKS for positing this fantastic rendition of the Bach masterpiece. :-))))
The clarity of Prof Sheng's playing is beautiful and provides insight into some details that can otherwise be lost or blurred. The various voices are somehow so distinct even though they are on the same instrument. You almost get the sense that you can seethe layers being carefully weaved together. Amazing execution and technical proficiency--definitely a refreshing take on the variations.
"El poder curativo de la música" compuesta por Bach para un hombre enfermo que se curó gracias a esta composición, el hombre en agradecimiento le regalo una copa de oro repleta de monedas también de oro
Hello from Pennsylvania. Very nicely played and I like the crystal clear clarity of the recording. Of course, we all love the Glenn Gould rendition which we all grew up with. I feel that I am more intimately connected with Gould on his recording, maybe because at several points you can hear him gasp for breath. But in all ways this is a also fine recording of one of Bach’s masterpieces. Many Thanks!! CAS
No we don't ALL love the Gould recordings. I was lucky enough to "grow up" with Peter Serkin's recording. Gould came later, and in comparison, is fast, show-offy, a bragging speedster of a recording, and, compared to Serkin, almost unmusical. Serkin, Andras Schiff, Angela Hewitt, and others gives this towering masterpiece the interpretation it deserves. Wilhelm Kempff does not! And I'll pass on Lang Lang...
Jeffrey Sonheim Wow!! Folks do read these comments. Well, thank you from Pennsylvania for your response. I’m so glad that you enjoy the Serkin version. It’s wonderful that we can hear different versions of these works. I wouldn’t presume to tell you which is better. You should enjoy the version.you like. You have your opinion and I have mine. Happy listening!! CAS .
59 comments so far without a Hanibal joke.. encouraging ! 30 variations and I play each one on the appropriate day of the month...badly, but I don't care cause it's a good start to the day !
After Glenn Gould, I find that Yuan Sheng “nailed” it! Hats off! Mais par respect au grand Gould, je garderai toujours celui de Yuan Sheng en deuxième place, quoi que je commence à aimer la version dansante du Goldberg variations
Yuan Sheng gives a reference recording of the Goldberg variations. One is reminded of the pioneering harpsichord recordings of Wanda Landowska, and then of the pioneering recording of Glenn Gould. Both are deeply respectful of the music, both made the variations well known. Of course, initially Gould played a shorter version, avoiding repetitions, while Landowska was closer to Bach score. Also, Gould used a piano, while Landowska used the harpsichord. As to the story that Count Keyserling commissioned the variations to have young Goldberg playing them to allow him to sleep, of course it is a nice invention with no basis. Goldberg was a kid, student of Bach son, apparently very gifted. Yuan Sheng presents a conservative rendering, respectful of the score, transparent and crystal clear, sober and unemotional, with a perfect sense of equilibrium, coherence and containment. A recording to be cherished as a reference, beauteous, honest, deeply musical. Thanks Brilliant Classics.
I agree, but I feel that he infuses plenty of emotion. He does it without being maudlin or sappy. He uses the piano to its greatest advantage over the harpsichord, which its ability to allow the player to emphasize the leading voice while letting the accompanying ones take subservient roles.
Thanks Daniel- You have a good point, there are several instances where the playing becomes more emotional. My fault to ignore them. For instance, the Aria, variations 1,9 11 and 15 seem to me to respond to your analysis. Other variations, after hearing the recording anew, seem to me not to be emotionally driven. Of course, this is a strictly subjective perception, and I will not deny that I may have been mistaken all along.
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Tracklist:
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988:
00:00:00 I. Aria
00:04:27 II. Variatio 1
00:06:32 III. Variatio 2
00:07:58 IV. Variatio 3, canone all’unisono
00:09:41 V. Variatio 4
00:10:50 VI. Variatio 5
00:12:24 VII. Variatio 6, canone alla seconda
00:13:41 VIII. Variatio 7
00:15:22 IX. Variatio 8
00:17:22 X. Variatio 9, canone alla terza
00:19:21 XI. Variatio 10, fughetta
00:21:01 XII. Variatio 11
00:23:17 XIII. Variatio 12, canone alla quarta
00:25:25 XIV. Variatio 13
00:29:20 XV. Variatio 14
00:31:38 XVI. Variatio 15, canone alla quinta, andante
00:36:17 XV. Variatio 16, ouverture
00:39:31 XVI. Variatio 17
00:41:44 XVII. Variatio 18, canone alla sesta
00:43:25 XVIII. Variatio 19
00:44:55 XIX. Variatio 20
00:47:03 XX. Variatio 21, canone alla settima
00:50:38 XXI. Variatio 22
00:52:15 XXII. Variatio 23
00:54:29 XXIII. Variatio 24, canone all’ottava
00:56:59 XXIV. Variatio 25
01:04:54 XXV. Variatio 26
01:07:02 XXVI. Variatio 27, canone alla nona
01:08:45 XXVII. Variatio 28
01:11:04 XXVIII. Variatio 29
01:12:58 XXIX. Variatio 30, quodlibet
01:14:43 XXX. Aria da capo
I was wondering how XXX sections could include the Aria twice and 30 variations, and found the mistake. After XVI, Variatio 15, the roman numbering drops back to XV instead of going on to XVII. Bach would have been annoyed. Worth correcting to complete the perfection of a wonderful performance of one of the greatest keyboard works of all time.
Thank you.
(σ´Д｀)σ湯かや
😊😂😊
All of Bach’s music is a treasure for earthlings
Yuan Sheng thank you for this great performance
You have opened the door of the healing room
You'll start to feel more comfortable by now while listening to this masterpiece
From
Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵
Whoever performer is, the Bach's music always vibrates the human mind.
THIS pianist Is a giant!!!!
I only listen to it by pleasure. Nothing and no one brought me here.
Such brilliance and soul. Only Glenn Gould’s second version of the Goldbergs has moved me to tears in the transition from the aria to the first variation. Now I have two. (Embarrassing for this tough old Irishman listening to this while his dear wife, a pianist in her youth, is sitting next to him.) Yes, there are many gifted pianist out there today (thank God), but somehow Yuan Sheng brought me to tears in that transition, and the mastery of the whole. Bravo maestro. And thank you.
I love the liberties Yuan takes with the music - as he seems to dance through the music. Thank you for posting this.
I love your simple but brilliant review.
The best rendition
Dear Mr. Sheng, unfortunately you will not read these lines. Nevertheless, I state my wish. Please also play in the English suites! Your Bach is the best I've heard so far. Many Thanks.
Light, sensible, delightful.
the pure perfection. Pure love and compassion. Thanks a lot for share with us!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm almost without breath in discovering tonight this to me unknown pianist playing Bach with such fantasy, tenderness, fire when required, personality: sensationnel!
You are not alone. Yuan Sheng is a hidden gem of Bach.
He is professor in a very prestigious Chinese conservatory
Wow! Such a comentary! Micaela I like your laconic, beatiful and finally truly expressions of love to the art of piano.
A wonderful brain relaxer. This marvelous performance actually seems to jog my "little gray cells" into increased activity. Thank you for posting.
Yuan Sheng is amazing! This recording of the Goldberg Variations is just remarkable in every way. He shows utmost respect for the music. He has wonderful sensitivity, sound, articulation, and voicing.
In my humble opinion, he deserves far more recognition!
Yes.....this is Sensational......BRAVO Maestro....from Acapulco!
Beautiful performance. This is a titan of a work to play.
Ringrazio di cuore colui che ha caricato su RUclips questa bellissima versione delle Variazioni Goldberg di Bach, eseguite dal pianista Yuan Sheng, che personalmente non conoscevo.
A delicate performance, which I'm sure will be welcomed by many.
Спасибо, дорогой Юань! Ваше исполнение-настоящее Чудо, которое уже вошло одной из самых ярких страниц в историю мирового музыкального Искусства! 🌺
Le monde sans frontières, celui qui permet à la musique (aux arts en général et du plus haut niveau), d'appartenir à tous, nous prouve que la beauté est accessible à tous les humains de cette Terre.
Ecouter ce pianiste issu de la patrie de Confucius ,nous donner, avec son génie propre, à entendre un génie allemand impérissable. Voilà qui abat toutes les frontières tracées par l'Homme.
Mais il s'agit d'Art au sommet, qui n'a jamais besoin d'armes. Les artistes authentiques sont les seuls exemples que les humains doués de coeur, de sensibilité, de générosité,( les autres également et si possible), doivent prendre pour modèle. La Beauté qui suscite l'Amour doit être notre unique guide. Artistes de toute la terre
vous êtes nos sauveurs. Les seuls !!!
Sheng´s interpretation has nothing to envy Gould´s .Bach is very complex and Sheng is among the very few pianists that understood Bach .
This cover art just SCREAMS "Fantasia". I love it! Very inspiring.
Sublime, celestial, cosmico, gracias Brilliant Classics!
아름다운 피아노 연주곡 잘 들었습니다~감사합니다~🎵🎹🌿🍀☘🌹🌹☘🍀🌿❤❤
The Greatness of Bach is unspeakable
Espiritual, elevado, tranquilizante... 👏👏👏
A lifetime is not enough for music, for the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, my heavenly beloved...
a pleasure to listen to. Bach would be thrilled.
I've become an old man with the unforgettable version of Glenn Gould. But I've last heard the Partitas with Yuan Sheng and he is like an other music lover said here in the comments, a titan. So once again dear Brillant Classics thankyou very much.
Frans Meersman I too “grew up” with Glenn.
But sometimes I get tired of forced staccato passages where Bach never intended them, or a ridiculously accelerated tempo.
Sanjosemike (no longer in CA)
I too like this quite nice sound , but it sounds more like Debussy than Bach. I still have not heard any better than Glenn Gould on this work. That's both of Glenn's versions.
The only thing missing is Glenn's grunts and groans. Actually, I don't miss them at all. walterstoffelauthor.com
Gould had a unique way with his hands
The mental comfort of this masterpiece is irreplaceable
He is phenomenal
simply sublime
Une interprétation tout à fait *exceptionnelle* alliant sensibilité, virtuosité, équilibre des tempi... Quel artiste !
There are many wonderful interpretations and this is one of them, perhaps among the best.
Благодарю за полученное удовольствие!
Yuan Shang has quickly become one of my favorite pianists. Architecture and coloration are excellently balanced. The rhythms are always well thought out but executed with an attention to the unfolding moments of the present.
listen to such music works deeply feel the existence of my soul. thanks bach and yuan sheng. ☺❤
my nostrils flare.. my neck tingles.. my head is aroused with the sound of Bach.. this performance is an equal to the great GGs...is it better???...You who listen to sublime music....only know.. Thanks for reading my comments ......Harvey Perkoff
My all time favourite 💞
It's beyond perfection 👏👍
You have to wonder. It's more than notes on a scale. And, there are only a few composers that truly embrace, our heart and soul. I have a theory...these men and women are Angels on loan; God's way of letting us know, we are His beloved children and each note is a tap on our shoulder, with God saying, Be Loving And Good To One Another.
As a home grown Canadian I am enamored with Glenn Gould's interpretation. This however is crisp, articulate and has a lovely resonance in the treble. This is what I am falling asleep to tonight. The merits of Bach cannot be overestimated.
i quite agree with you. I thought Gould was the best but this is wonderful.
And as you might not know, these variations were composed in no small part to help JS Bach's patron relax and get some better quality sleep than he was getting at the time when the commission was entered into.
I miss the humming.
Bach’s keyboard compositions greatly benefit from being played on a modern piano.
Don’t you agree?
This recording was awesome. Many thanks for uploading!
Not at all.
@@erreenecu7706 So you don’t think Bach would have appreciated a modern grand piano or upright piano?
I am certain Bach would have loved to play the modern piano
Thanks, excellent, amazing piece for all! Sounds good n light, beautiful lovely music tune. Peace and calm the mind n heart. Absolutely love the combination of sounds n music! Infinite love!🙏🎶
This is timeless music
Sehr fein und sensibel gespielt.
I first tuned in to this performance just to see how Yuan Sheng managed such a monumental masterpiece. I stayed ans listened to every note! No since Glenn Gould's early recording of this work have I been so mesmerized! Yes, Sheng takes a few liberties with the 'style' - BUT - I often felt I was hearing these variations for the first time. Such superb control of touch. A magnificent performance! Thank you so much for uploading it.
Much preferable to Gould's ultra mechanical touch... This IS music.
Please hear both together. I have been listening to Gould's interpretations while going to bed almost every day since 1992, if my memory is correct, and I used to switch off the music player while accidentally getting up in the middle of the night. Additional advantage, in the case of Gould, was I didn't have to adjust the volume control of the music player often.
So beautifully phrased, well articulated, wonderful multi-voicing and shrewd contrasts, especially of emotions and styles. BIG, BIG THANKS for positing this fantastic rendition of the Bach masterpiece. :-))))
Ready when you are, Sergeant Pembry
I will have you for dinner.
Lamb chops, extra rare.
Haha so erie
Where did I leave my pen? 🤔
🤣
Gorgeous!
Exquisite! Such sensitive playing!
Sin duda una interpretación para guardar en la memoria y el corazón. Gracias
Brilliant, stunning!
Beautiful i guess this is made in heaven 🎼🎼🎼
This is true beautiful
Slow pace, dry sound... A personal and interesting interpretation of one of the greatest works in the history of music. I like it.
Not only do I love your interpretation, but through your Bach I discovered it anew.
The clarity of Prof Sheng's playing is beautiful and provides insight into some details that can otherwise be lost or blurred. The various voices are somehow so distinct even though they are on the same instrument. You almost get the sense that you can seethe layers being carefully weaved together. Amazing execution and technical proficiency--definitely a refreshing take on the variations.
If you enjoy it, please buy this online. It is a respect for the artist's hard work and dedication. Treat others how you want to be treated.
"Rudeness is epidemic."
Variation 8 is very lively whereas variation 9 is very soothing❤
Beautiful!
Timeless...
Wonderful. Like many people, I love both Glenn Gould versions, but it doesn't mean he has the monopoly on GV!
Beautiful and beautiful ..
Woah... another great version..
Tempo feels so right ❤️
Simply beautiful. Thanks
"El poder curativo de la música" compuesta por Bach para un hombre enfermo que se curó gracias a esta composición, el hombre en agradecimiento le regalo una copa de oro repleta de monedas también de oro
Masterpiece 🎶❤️❤️❤️🎶
bach's lullaby by keyboard.
Superbe, Merci beaucoup. Très léger !!!!!!!
This is so beautiful
Magnificent
inspired and deeply. Tks so much!
Magnifico,sin cortes comerciales,solo musica.
Felicitaciones.
Great version
Hihetetlenül gyönyörű szép!!
Unexpectedly brilliant.
Very good music 🎶
Mennyei!! Zseniális!! Fenséges!!
fantastica esecuzione
Fantastic
Delicadeza! Muito obrigada! 😊🇧🇷👩💻📣🏅
It's akin to criminality to add a commercial in these kind if classical music !!!!
Download the add blocker for youtube
Or buy the original CD
Juste magnifique
Such deep enjoyment! THank you!
Viele wunderschöne Details, auf die uns Glenn Gould teilweise die Sicht verstellt hat...
Musica q revela q el alma existe porque uno siente la caricias q Bach ha creado c su musica
It's okay to rate them as equivalent, just somewhat different, respecfully. No need to think of either as superior.
Hello from Pennsylvania. Very nicely played and I like the crystal clear clarity of the recording. Of course, we all love the Glenn Gould rendition which we all grew up with. I feel that I am more intimately connected with Gould on his recording, maybe because at several points you can hear him gasp for breath.
But in all ways this is a also fine recording of one of Bach’s masterpieces. Many Thanks!! CAS
No we don't ALL love the Gould recordings. I was lucky enough to "grow up" with Peter Serkin's recording. Gould came later, and in comparison, is fast, show-offy, a bragging speedster of a recording, and, compared to Serkin, almost unmusical. Serkin, Andras Schiff, Angela Hewitt, and others gives this towering masterpiece the interpretation it deserves. Wilhelm Kempff does not! And I'll pass on Lang Lang...
Jeffrey Sonheim Wow!! Folks do read these comments. Well, thank you from Pennsylvania for your response. I’m so glad that you enjoy the Serkin version. It’s wonderful that we can hear different versions of these works. I wouldn’t presume to tell you which is better. You should enjoy the version.you like. You have your opinion and I have mine. Happy listening!! CAS .
Cada canção é mais linda que a outra.
59 comments so far without a Hanibal joke.. encouraging ! 30 variations and I play each one on the appropriate day of the month...badly, but I don't care cause it's a good start to the day !
Bach é sagrado!
Vivat for J.S.Bach ! and Bravo Yuan Sheng !
Sublime stuff. 👏
After Glenn Gould, I find that Yuan Sheng “nailed” it! Hats off!
Mais par respect au grand Gould, je garderai toujours celui de Yuan Sheng en deuxième place, quoi que je commence à aimer la version dansante du Goldberg variations
ty
She is amazing, Sublime
He is.
.excelente música!
Yuan Sheng gives a reference recording of the Goldberg variations. One is reminded of the pioneering harpsichord recordings of Wanda Landowska, and then of the pioneering recording of Glenn Gould. Both are deeply respectful of the music, both made the variations well known. Of course, initially Gould played a shorter version, avoiding repetitions, while Landowska was closer to Bach score. Also, Gould used a piano, while Landowska used the harpsichord. As to the story that Count Keyserling commissioned the variations to have young Goldberg playing them to allow him to sleep, of course it is a nice invention with no basis. Goldberg was a kid, student of Bach son, apparently very gifted. Yuan Sheng presents a conservative rendering, respectful of the score, transparent and crystal clear, sober and unemotional, with a perfect sense of equilibrium, coherence and containment. A recording to be cherished as a reference, beauteous, honest, deeply musical. Thanks Brilliant Classics.
I agree, but I feel that he infuses plenty of emotion. He does it without being maudlin or sappy. He uses the piano to its greatest advantage over the harpsichord, which its ability to allow the player to emphasize the leading voice while letting the accompanying ones take subservient roles.
Thanks Daniel- You have a good point, there are several instances where the playing becomes more emotional. My fault to ignore them. For instance, the Aria, variations 1,9 11 and 15 seem to me to respond to your analysis. Other variations, after hearing the recording anew, seem to me not to be emotionally driven. Of course, this is a strictly subjective perception, and I will not deny that I may have been mistaken all along.
beautiful work!!!
Tatiana is my Madonna. Yuan Sheng is my Li Bo. A lover of Bach. I am listening to him for the first time today.
I really like Variation 1, powerful!