It’s said that Bach wrote the Goldberg Variations to help a nobleman with insomnia get to sleep. I can’t imagine a more counterproductive sleep aid. This music makes the heart flutter, the toes flex, the mind fly, the diaphragm speed up until one is breathless, the eyes well with tears of ecstasy, the whole soul come alive and wide awake. If I could bring only ten recordings to the fabled desert island, one would be the Goldberg Variations, and I wouldn’t dare listen to it right before bed.
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February 2, 2015 at 12:38 am
kim
I agree. It (they?) never seemed restful, but beautiful.
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February 2, 2015 at 3:42 am
NakedTheologian
I’m listening to the variations now thanks to YouTube. I wasn’t aware of these variations–thanks for writing about them–so incredibly lovely. I agree with you, I’m finding it impossible not to pay attention to the melodies. I’d love to know what other nine recordings you’d bring to that fabled desert island.
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February 2, 2015 at 8:04 am
Andrew Hidas
It’s been quite some time since I’ve listened to these, but distant memory tells me that while every bit as lively and lovely as you suggest, the music also has a kind of hypnotic quality which I could see ultimately leading to somnolence! Maybe I’ll dust off the CD, try it one of these nights and report back to you!
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