I'm very familiar with Glenn Gould's playing of Bach's Goldberg Variations in his version from the 1980s, but had never heard his 1955 version - until today. (In the last hour, actually.)
Amazing tempi, way faster than the later version, yet Gould never seems to be showing off. It's as if the music impels him to be this fast. And despite the speed every note is crisp and clear. To be honest, I prefer my Bach on the harpsichord, with Gould as the notable, necessary exception.
I'm struck by the fact that he recorded this before I ever existed and it will be listened to long after I exist no longer. Isn't that splendidly reassuring?
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