Duo Mélisande - Bach: The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (2014) [Hi-Res]

„The title „Goldberg Variations“, arose from a story, now thought to be doubtful, that they were commissioned for the 14 year old harpsichordist Johann Gottlieb Goldberg to play. In 1802, the first biographer of J.S Bach, Johann Nicolaus Forkel, wrote that they were the 'model according to which all variations should be made'. The work has long been regarded as the most important set of variations composed in the baroque era. In the accompanying booklet to this CD, both Sebastien Llinares and Gilles Cantagrel cover the subject of Bach being transcribed. So called 'purists' should beware because nobody transcribed Bach's music like Bach himself - from violin to lute, from lute to harpsichord etc.“

„These transcriptions are wonderfully guitaristic, as displayed by the harmonics at the end of var.15 or the crossing string sounds - lovely, and so distinctive to the instrument. In var.25 there is some background studio noise, including breathing and string squeaking, however, in my opinion, this does not detract from the music itself. These instruments, apart from being beautifully played, are constructed by the Australian luthier Graham Caldersmith and sound great.“ (Quentin Arnold)