J S Bach: “Goldberg” Variations, BWV 988 (Burkard Schliessmann)
Burkard Schliessmann is a unique interpreter, never afraid to find a new expression and always searching for the heart of the music and the composer’s inspiration, whether in the Romantic world or that of J.S.Bach. Among other awards, Schliessmann won three silver medals at the Global Music Awards 2017 for his Divine Art Chopin album, and has been awarded the Goethe-Plakette by the city of Frankfurt.
This recording of the Goldberg Variations was originally released in 2007 (Bayer – SACD only, not digital) and was highly acclaimed: “ambitious and really spectacular” (AllMusic); “thoughtfully simple, always finely worked out” (FonoForum); Critics Choice 2008 (American Record Guide); Recording of the Year (MusicWeb International). Newly remastered in 5.0 Dolby Atmos audio, this brilliant recording is now offered as a hybrid 5-channel SACD/CD and in finest digital audio quality.
Please note: the digital albums offered here are two-channel HD stereo. To obtain the 5-channel digital album visit a Dolby Atmos supplier (Apple/Amazon)
Track Listing
- Aria (4:46)
- Variatio 1 a 1 Clav. (1:54)
- Variatio 2 a 1 Clav. (1:38)
- Variatio 3 a 1 Clav. Canone all'Unisuono (2:04)
- Variatio 4 a 1 Clav. (1:00)
- Variatio 5 a 1 ovvero 2 Clav. (1:42)
- Variatio 6 a 1 Clav. Canone all Seconda (1:06)
- Variatio 7 a 1 ovvero 2 Clav. al tempo di Giga (2:12)
- Variatio 8 a 2 Clav. (1:57)
- Variatio 9 a 1 Clav. Canone alla Terza (2:04)
- Variatio 10 a 1 Clv. Fughetta (1:32)
- Variatio 11 a 2 Clav. (1:59)
- Variatio 12 Canone alla Quarta (2:17)
- Variatio 13 a 2 Clav. (4:54)
- Variatio 14 a 2 clav. (2:09)
- Variatio 15 a 1 Clav. Canone alla Quinta in modo contrario - andante (4:44)
- Variatio 16 a 1 Clav. Ouverture (3:33)
- Variatio 17 a 2 Clav. (2:11)
- Variatio 18 1 1 Clav. Canone all Sesta (1:43)
- Variatio 19 a 1 Clav. (1:09)
- Variatio 20 a 2 Clav. (2:21)
- Variatio 21 Canone alla Settima (3:14)
- Variatio 22 a 1 Clav. Alla breve (1:32)
- Variatio 23 a 2 Clav. (2:26)
- Variatio 24 a 1 Clav. Canone all'Ottava (2:42)
- Variatio 25 a 2 Clav Adagio (9:54)
- Variatio 26 a 2 Clav. (2:22)
- Variatio 27 a 2 Clav. Canone alla Nona (1:51)
- Variatio 28 a 2 Clav. (2:39)
- Variatio 29 a 1 ovvero 2 Clav. (2:12)
- Variatio 30 a 1 Clav. Quodlibet (2:15)
- Aria da capo (2:50)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750):
Aria and 30 Variations, BWV 988 ("Goldberg Variations")
Reviews
“Right from the outset the Aria and Variation 1 reveal Schliessmann’s textural clarity. His finger-strength is remarkable, each line perfectly articulated. This reading [is] absolutely compelling – as is Schliessmann’s highly-informed booklet note. Superb.
” —Colin Clarke
“We might have imagined that Johan Sebastian Bach wrote his great Goldberg Variations with the foreknowledge that it would be performed several centuries later on by an artist with the temperament and patience of skilled interpretive artist Burkard Schliessmann. Certainly, our German contemporary comes well equipped for the task, being a dedicated musical scholar as well as possessing the mature keyboard technique needed for the Goldbergs.
” —Phil Muse
“A poetic and superbly played Goldberg Variations. Schliessmann does a superb job of realizing Bach’s all-embracing musical and emotional journey. And Schliessmann’s combination of precision and elegance in fleet passagework is most gratifying throughout this recording. Recommended.
” —Ken Meltzer
“Requires a performer capable of virtuoso techniques and [on] this outstanding recording the work is by the outstanding German classical pianist Burkard Schliessmann, one of the compelling pianists and artists of the modern era. Ambitious and really spectacular.
” —John Pitt
“The intellect that has gone into this realization is huge; similarly, the emotional range. It is the freshness of the play of voices that impresses so much. The sheer variety of touch on display is remarkable. Schliessmann’s touch is impeccable. By bringing a sense of play to this performance (and with it, light), Schliessmann almost invites us to reframe Bach’s intricacies as expressions of joy. Schliessmann’s recorded Bach is human, alive; its exuberance is never-ending. (5 stars)
” —Colin Clarke
“One of the top Goldberg Variations. Schliessmann’s playing [is] comparable to the intellect and control of Gould without his eccentricities or vocal embellishments. I am consistently impressed with the phrasing and delineation of the voices under Schliessmann’s fingers. There are significant and great pianists like Schliessmann overcome these without drawing attention to those difficulties.
” —James Harrington
““The close resonance of the keyboard recommends this high flown, intellectual performance as a distinct musical entity in the Bach performance canon. The cleanliness of articulation manages to add a decisive, rhythmic spice. Schliessmann joins those blessed with the mission to deliver Bach’s vision that endows the realization with poetic mystery. An hour-and-one-half spent on hallowed musical ground.
” —Gary Lemco
“This is clearly music about which Schliessmann has thought carefully, and which he wants to present in a way that today’s audiences will find congenial, meaningful, and salutary. The very fine re-release on the Divine Art label only confirms the difficulty of knowing just how to react to it. Certainly this recording shines some new and different light on a very-well-known piece, a cornerstone of the keyboard repertoire.
” —Mark J, Estren
