St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244: Part II. No. 47, Erbarme dich, mein Gott (Recorded 1946) · Marian Anderson · Johann Sebastian Bach · RCA Symphony Orchestra · Robert Shaw
Glenn Goulds debut album of Bachs Goldberg Variations was recorded in June 1955. The Columbia LP quickly became one of the most revered piano recordings ever made and Gould became the most famous classical artist of the day. His exciting, unorthodox new way of playing Bach left listeners awestruck and critics around the world hailing him as a genius. But until recently this iconic album was limited by the dated recording technology of its time.
On September 25, 2006, history was made again. Zenph Studios recorded its debut re-performance® to standing ovations in the CBCs famed Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. The date would have been Glenn Goulds 74th birthday, and what a gift Zenph created to give his fans.
The Zenph re-performance is a revelation in its clarity, depth, and vibrancy. Gould seems to play at an almost inhuman speed and yet with complete accuracy. The 30 variations dazzle the listener with their inventiveness and variety. As music historian and Gould biographer Kevin Bazzana writes in the CDs liner notes, «Here, albeit with his trademark vocalizing no longer accompanying the performance, Goulds musical personality is unquestionably present...»