Goldberg Variations

Andreas Staier waited nearly a quarter of a century before playing the Goldberg Variations in public. His long-awaited first performance was in Montreal at the end of April 2000, and this new set for harmonia mundi is his first recording of Bach s keyboard masterpiece. Undoubtedly one of the most prominent harpsichord and fortepiano performers in the world, Staier embarked upon a solo career in 1986 after leaving the acclaimed ensemble Musica Antiqua Köln. Since then, his indisputable musical mastery as a soloist has made its mark on the interpretation of baroque, classical and romantic repertoire. His extensive discography has garnered top critical awards from the international press. Staier says of the Goldbergs, Bach used the possibilities offered by the instrument s double keyboard. The work is totally suited to the harpsichord, whereas trying to play it on the piano is like attempting to square the circle.