Search - Jory Vinikour :: J.S. Bach : Goldberg Variations

A peak among the hills

charles kaufman | hillsdale, NJ USA | 03/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We certainly have had our share of "Goldberg" recordings, and therefore, who needs yet another? We do, if it is like Jory Vinikour's first-rate presentation on this Delos CD. There is no place to hide on a harpsichord manual -- no thickets of pedal with which to camouflage -- nor does Vinikour need any. Technique is a given here and merits no further discussion. The playing is controlled, but not rigid and, the tempi are appropriate and tastefully varied. When the occasion demands it, the performances are blazingly exuberant -- try Variation 7 or 26. Introspection is evident (try Variation 9 or 15), and there is no fussiness here, no pretensiousness, no Early-Music constrictions -- only straight-forward, calmly embellished, beautiful playing that brings Bach to us in an exemplary manner. And Vinikour has total control over the voices and their position in the often tumultuous contrapuntal texture, thus poviding clarity and guidance through this wonderful work.Bravo!"

A recording of Goldberg Variations which you should buy even

Alice Davison | Iowa City, IA USA | 03/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike most recordings, this one is on 2 cds, which allowed the performer to play all the repeats in the variations, and to not worry about having to fit everything onto one 75 minute disc. For this reason, Jory Vinikour was able to make a clear difference in tempos. The slower variations are played with a beautiful legato quality, and show very clear expression of the phrases. The faster moveemnts are played with Mr. Vinikour's formidable technique, and make use of the different kinds of ornamentation as clearly delineated textures of sound. The whole piece is played with a well-thought conception of the composition as a whole, making clear the contributions to it of each of the individual parts. It is played with a fresh and joyous feeling, regretfully relinquished with the final repetition of the aria. I've heard Mr. Vinikour play two live concerts, which were remarkable for the intelligent choice of pieces in the harpsichord repertory, and for the freshness and confidence with which he played very difficult works. This recording should help to make this promising young artist much better known in the US and elsewhere in the world."

Outstanding Goldberg Variations Rendition

mangoman | Hackensack, NJ USA | 02/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this CD. The precision, authenticity and elegance of Mr. Vinikour's harpsichord playing are quite astounding. A must listen for any lover of Baroque music. His ornamentation and stylistic interpretation are true to the style of the day. A rare treat in comparison to the many hacked piano renditions of this piece which flood the market. A monumental achievement by a young artist of my favorite piece written by Bach."