Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Haskell Small (b. 1948)
25 Preludes (1985)

Haskell Small, piano
Recorded March 2003 (Bach), May 1986 (Small)
4Tay 4028 [79:09]

Haskell Small - Pianist and composer, Small has a cult following along
the East Coast of the United States.  Judging from this disc, his following
should be much more extensive.  Small is an exceptional pianist of the
highest order, and his compositions are always stimulating and easy to
absorb.

How can one CD of the Goldberg Variations accommodate a coupling? - This
is a simple one to answer.  Just omit the repeats, and Small skips almost
all of them.

Any problems skipping repeats?  - I think that the symmetry of the work
is damaged, because there is a cumulative effect that is not realized
when skipping repeats.  Further, keyboard artists often vary the repeats
as to articulation, tempo, dynamics, and ornamentation.

Any other problems?  - Yes, in that Small tends to refrain from the most
exuberant displays as well as the most intense such as in the "Black
Pearl" Variation 25.

Problems be damned - Although repeats are skipped and emotional breadth
is not fully realized, Small's performance of the Goldberg Variations
is still very compelling.  Fantastic sonorities, graceful playing to
die for, and superb voice interaction more than offset any concerns.
Best of all, I've never heard a more lyrical account of the work.

25 Preludes - Highly interesting and varied music.  It would be easy
to say that these pieces are either other-worldly with notes evaporating
into the universe or they are jazz-like with some ragtime and boogie-woogie
elements.  However, Small often blends these features together in the
same variation.  I have listened to this work many times, and its allure
has not lost its shine in the least.

Sound Quality - Superb soundstage although the works were recorded in
different venues and in different decades.  Just as a test, I used my
trusty equalizer and found that the sound is wonderful no matter where
the settings reside.  I should relate that there is a slight hiss to the
25 Preludes, but it's only noticeable on headphones and absolutely no
impediment to enjoying the show.

Don's Conclusions - Highly recommended to all keyboard enthusiasts.  The
disc might be a little difficult to find, but the search is well worth
the time.

Don Satz
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