J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988

For a classical pianist or harpsichordist, The Goldberg Variations can simultaneously be a test of one's mettle and a prism through which one's own artistic personality can shine in ways few other Baroque works permit. American pianist Jeremy Denk has interpreted pieces by everyone from Brahms to Cowell while maintaining a distinct identity, and his approach to this late-period Bach masterwork is equally singular-sounding. While there are momentary echoes of everything from Glenn Gould's visceral take on The Variations to Daniel Barenboim's drama-infused reading, Denk ultimately opts for alternating between a thrilling, fleet-fingered finesse in the more physically demanding moments and an almost impressionistic liquidity in the reflective sections. What emerges by the end is a sonic portrait of a master musician game enough to follow his fancy but expert enough to know exactly where and how to apply his considerable strengths.