Bach: Goldberg Variations
Angela Hewitt's unashamedly pianistic Bach is enormously satisfying, full of coloristic effects, dynamic variation, rhythmic flexibility, precise articulation, and above all, a feel for the dance rhythms never far from the surface of this music. Despite a statement of the Aria that's just this side of ponderous, Hewitt's Goldbergs are a lively set. She manages to weave together the simultaneous strands of many of the variations while keeping them all crystal-clear. Also noteworthy is her subtle way with the repeats, often introducing nuances of rhythm and color to make them come alive. Incisive attacks and precise trilling add to the allure of her Goldbergs. Even if other pianists, such as Arrau,Gould,Schiff, and Tipo, have plumbed greater depths in the magnificent 25th Variation, Hewitt's disc is highly recommendable. Excellent sound, too.--Dan Davis