CD-Charts Position 1
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Bach: The Art of the Fugue

by: Glenn Gould

Release Date September 09, 2002
This is definitely one of my favourite GG Edition CDs. As with all of his Bach recordings, I'm struck by the brilliant mind of Glenn Gould, listening to the amazing clarity and freedom of his playing which makes this wonderfully complex music sound as if coming directly from his mind. What a shame he did not record complete piano version of the work! Highly recommendable not just to fans, but anyone who loves Art of Fugue, alongside koroliov's enthralling complete recording.

CD-Charts Position 2
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Hannibal

from: Universal Classics

Release Date March 11, 2002
There are few occasions these days where music will take your emotions to the depths of despair and up to the highest cloud and back before the album is finished. Mostly this happens in film soundtracks and Hannibal is easily one of the finest. There is humour, sadness, heart-pounding atmosphere and some pieces that will make your heart sing and sent your soul alight as the finest music does, and should.
The highlight of the album is Vide cor Meum by Patrick Cassidy - the album is worth buying for this alone. When I first watched the film I became determined to discover which great opera that piece was from, not realising that it was written specially for the film. Rarely will you find a piece of music that makes you want to simply sit back, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Bach - Goldberg Variations (1955)

from: Sony Classical

Release Date July 26, 2004
If I must choose three recordings of solo piano music which deserve the word 'awe-inspiring', my first choice is this recording of Goldberg Variations by Glenn Gould, second choice is Richter's Well-tempered Klavier (Bach - The Well-tempered Clavier, Books 1 & 2) and the third is Glenn Gould's 1981 recording of Goldberg Variations. Like Rony O'sullivan's 147 in 5 minutes 20 second, I don't think anyone can surpass this 1955 recording by Gould as long as mankind lives on, on this planet!

If you can actually watch how he plays the work on DVD (Glenn Gould - The Goldberg Variations [1981]), you will be even more amazed!!

CD-Charts Position 4
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Glenn Gould: A State of Wonder - The Complete Goldberg Variations

from: Sony Classical

Release Date September 09, 2002
Glenn Gould plays the music beatifully on both recordings. He plays more slowly and smoothly in the 1981 recording than in the 1955 recording. The 1955 recording is really exciting and the 1981 recording is so elegant. The 1955 recording is dramatic and so fast that it lasts for half an hour. The 1981 recording is extremely slow that it last for an hour.

CD-Charts Position 5
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Glenn Gould - the Alchemist

by: Glenn Gould

Release Date September 10, 2007

This is so far the best film made about Glenn Gould. There are no annoying cleaver talks by various snobs which spoiled so many of previous documentaries. This is the documentary in a true sense, because it is filled with many footages in which Gould plays works of various composers he loved best (Schoenberg, Berg, Webern, Bach, Byrd, Gibbons, Scriabin, Wagner) and with interviews, Gould sharing captivating insight into their music.

To me the highlight of this documentary is the part two 'The Alchemist' in which Gould reveals facinating studio recording process and part three in which he comments on 2nd Viennese School and the composers.

The documentary concludes with wonderful complete performance of Bach's 6th Partita filmed in 1974 Toronto. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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Bach - Piano Concertos Vol 1

by: Glenn Gould

Release Date September 09, 2002

Glenn Gould plays Bach's concertos with the typical clarity and dazzling both-handed dexterity, which make these performances absolutely electrifying and unforgettable! A must for fans alongside the Bach - Piano Concertos Vol 2.

CD-Charts Position 7
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Bach: Partitas, Preludes Fugues (Glenn Gould Edition)

from: Sony Classics

Release Date December 06, 1993

This is a cornerstone of Bach playing which can stand as its own until the end of time. Very few pianists can match clarity & delicacy of these performances.

CD-Charts Position 8
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Bach: Two- and Three-Part Inventions (The Glenn Gould Edition)

from: Sony Classics

Release Date March 08, 1993

Fast pieces, absolutely mind blowing. Slow Sinfonias, totally captivating & stranscendentally subtle. A must for any fans!

CD-Charts Position 9
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Sounds of Spa - Serenity

by: Various Artists

Release Date June 21, 2004
The cd suggests it is 'perfect for' beauty and massage treatments, spa therapy, and meditation. However I would add to that 'it creates a wonderful relaxing musical abience when played in the home.'
This is timeless spa music that is exquisitly beautifully relaxing. Music that reminds me of times spent at the spa, and creates a beautiful way to relax and unwind at home. If you accompany this with essential oils, what a wonderful way to sooth your spirit and mind and take you away from the stresses of everyday living.
Highly recommended cd

CD-Charts Position 10
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Brahms - Piano Concerto No 1

from: Sony Classical

Release Date June 19, 2006

I give 5 stars to this performance despite poor broadcast recording quality & outrageous freedom the pianist takes tempo-wise. First, I'm not one of those blind Gould admires who give 5 stars to every recording he made. Secondly, I'm familiar with all great recordings of this concerto. What makes this performance truly great is Gould's audacity to break the traditional mold of how piano concerto should be played, and to bring forth completely new and creative conception of the music.

Although, before the performance, Bernstein comments on 'who is the boss' problem in concerto performance, Gould has no interest in dazzling display of piano part. Neither the conductor nor the pianist is the boss here, but the symphonic grandeur of the music itself takes centre stage. ... Read More: