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Performed on a double-manual instrument by Colin Booth (after a single-manual by Fleischer, 1710), the performer’s craft and flair affords the ‘Goldberg’s a sense of lyricism that is rarely heard.
Most renowned for being the harpsichordist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Steven Devine’s weave of the contrapuntal lines accounts for some of this recording’s charm; in addition to his crisp ornamentation and variety of touch, this makes for truly addictive listening. The general pulse changes very little from movement to movement, but born out of this is a sense of organic progression that elegantly unifies the thirty variations and polar arias.
It truly is a significant feat to have made such a unique recording given that this work has been so widely recorded. Coupled with precise sleeve notes, this is the scholars’ choice.
Edward Dean
Bach: ‘Goldberg’ Variations Steven Devine, harpsichord
CHAN 0780 CD 79:21 minutes
