A lovely little infographic from Neven Mrgan, comparing the durations of Gould two major recordings of Bach’s Goldberg Variations:

Here’s a little chart I made. Glenn Gould recorded two remarkably different versions of Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations’. The 1955 version is fast, virtuosic, and energetic (even frenetic). The 1981 version is deliberately paced and elegant. They are both dizzying masterpieces.

Most people prefer one over the other. On an average day, I will favor the 1981, but only by about 5%. I am very glad that both of them exist.

(Click for full size, please)

Some interesting variations on the Goldberg Variations at Michael Century’s Vimeo page.

In this version, performers use a Nintendo wireless controller to modulate dynamics, tempo, and incidence of looping. Computer programmed in Max strictly follows the 32 bar harmonic structure composed by Bach, but it’s possible to jump from variation to variation, in “random mode” (this only occurs rarely in this demo). The “linear mode” proceeds through Bach’s score as composed, though in the demo here it seems the computer sometimes has a mind of its own. Abrupt gestures caused seizures, sometimes with, and sometimes without recovery.

Sort of like a fancypants version of pianola controls, but with the ability to loop at will. 

(via immanent discursivity)

It’s always nice to watch Glenn Gould play the piano. (Click the via link below to see all the other Goldberg Variations.)

(via Perverse Egalitarianism)

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, played on soda bottles.

Similar to the Dirty Projectors’ gimmick, but a little less impressive. (But maybe more doable at home!)

(via oddstrument)