Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 Glenn Gould (Piano) Recorded: 1981 This is a representative album of Gould, whose popularity has not waned at all even after more than 40 years since his death. Gould made his major debut with the 1955 recording of this piece, but this CD is a digital re-recording from 26 years later, in his final years (though he was only 49 years old). Not only is Gould's performance wonderful, but I also think this piece is one of the best of Bach's works. The structure, which begins with the Aria and ends with the Aria returning, seems to represent life itself. It is truly an immortal masterpiece, a performance that should be listened to for a lifetime. I highly recommend it to those who are just starting to listen to classical music, and to those who are just starting to listen to Gould. It was selected as the overwhelming No. 1 in the 2017 publication "500 Masterpieces." Of course, it is also selected in "1000 Immortal Masterpieces." Many people may have imagined that Dr. Lecter in the movie "The Silence of the Lambs" was quietly listening to Gould's Goldberg Variations just before his escape. Be warned, those who get hooked on Gould may not be able to escape. (lol) I am sure that meeting this CD is the best encounter. This CD resonates with the heart; each sound played from the piano keys flows into the heart, creating a strong and warm world, and his faint humming conveys his feelings that cannot be fully expressed by the piano alone. As I listened, tears ran down my cheeks. It wasn't sadness, nor was I moved, but rather a feeling of my heart resonating with the sound. Please give it a listen. It begins with the Aria, followed by 30 variations, and concludes with the Aria again. The Aria is a soft, slow, and beautiful melody that everyone has heard at least once. That melody is decorated and developed one after another. When you play this CD in the middle of the night, when there is no background noise, you will forget the passage of time and concentrate solely on following the melody. And by the time you hear the final Aria, you will be freed from troublesome worries that had been stuck in your head, and you will feel refreshed. I recommend it as a healing album to listen to for a lifetime. Japanese edition, with obi, no scratches on the disc 11 * We offer discounts for bulk purchases (please comment in advance) 150 yen off for each additional item 150 yen off all items for 10 or more items (Please refrain from price reductions for single purchases)