Music for the Mundane

Posted on May 9th, 2009 and filed in Bach, LONG PLAYING SELECTIONS, Music for the mundane!, Piano

In this LONG PLAY selection – J.S.Bach provides the perfect “background music” for mundane tasks! Cleaning out that junk drawer, ironing (does anyone iron anymore?!), gardening or just wandering around the house wondering what to do next. His Goldberg Variations provide the background. First the Aria, followed by 8 of the variations.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t give up! There is a pause before the music kicks in on this one. About 10 seconds.

Goldberg variations by 9 Andras Shiff.mp3
http:///jimsclassicalmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/Goldberg variations by 9 Andras Shiff.mp3Right Click to Download

UPDATE: see the comment on this one. My “source” slightly retracted his claim that Shiff was “the man” for Bach piano! So let’s hear Gould do the Aria.

glenn-gould_04_goldberg-variations-bwv-988-i-aria
http://jimsclassicalmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/glenn-gould_04_goldberg-variations-bwv-988-i-aria.mp3Right Click to Download


2 Responses to “Music for the Mundane”

  1. Ben Leet Says:
    June 4th, 2009 at 6:00 am

    Schiff, very nice, especially the last variation. But, I owned the Gould recording when I was 14 years old, and it’s better. Gould plays it like his life depended on it. He has more gravitas, he brings out more melody, the lower register’s melodies are brought out, he attacks, it’s marvelous. I’m not sorry I recommended Schiff, though. I listened to the Gould so often I know it note for note, and it really is great. Schiff is gentler, and sings in places, but Gould knows the piece better and it became a minor cult masterpiece in the late 60s. KPFA plays at times two other versions on Sunday mornings, one is an accordionist that is amazing, and the other a very beautiful version adapted for small string orchestra. A great piece of music. Like the long play, thanks.

  2. Taneyev Says:
    December 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 am

    For all of you who love the Goldbergs, I recommend an extraordinary transcription for string trio by violinist Dmitri Sitkovetsky. There’s a recording by him with Misha Maisky on cello and Gerard Causeé on viola, which is a must for every chamber fan.

Leave a Comment