Patrik Enander wrote:

>Jonathan wrote:
>
>>To prefer the piano for this monumental work is to fly in the face
>>of Bach's obvious intentions: to write a contrapuntal work for "two
>>keyboards".  but it is only on a two-keyboard instrument that the true
>>stature of the work can be fully appreciated.
>
>Excuse me if I sound hostile, but I think these arguments are crap.

It is not the first time my opinions have been called "crap," nor, I
assume, will it be the last time.

>This debate feels very stale.  Haven't we been through it before, the rest
>of the world vs HIP.?

Unfortunately Patrik has reached for his keyboard before fully reading
my post.  I was NOT implying that only a HIP version was correct (and
if Patrik had read to the end of my posting he would have seen my
recommendation for Hussong's remarkable version of the Goldberg on
accordion - is that HIP?), but rather making a technical observation that
Bach wrote the Goldberg's for two keyboards: the counterpoint is such
that it is very difficult to play the work on one keyboard without making
concessions.  This is not a matter of opinion; it is a fact.  What
initially triggered my response was Patrik's remark that he preferred the
Goldbergs on the piano; I was simply pointing out that while many piano
versions are fascinating and certainly give a good insight into the music
(mainly because of the intellectual powers of the great pianists who have
recorded them - and may many more do so), we should not forget that the
work was "originally" intended (and written, technically) for a
two-keyboard instrument.

>The Goldberg variations is my no.1 piece of music.

It is mine as well - which is why I snap up every version of it that I can
find.  I, too, have the Sitkovetsky orchestral version.  I have the Gaede
Trio version and even a bootlegged guitar version by Kurt Rodarmer.

>Even if Jonathan obviously thinks this is great music I think that the
>remarks above reflects a point of view that limits our possibility to
>appreciate this lovely music.

I wonder whether Patrik is now prepared to stick to his original
condemnation of me, or might be generous enough to rethink his verdict.
I am not a purist, nor a HIP advocate.  And for Patrik to tar me as one
does me an injustice.

Jonathan