Chris Bonds wrote: >...do we really want to take all the repeats in the Goldberg Variations? >When do we place expediency and necessity over presumed principles of >structural integrity? Expediency and necessity versus principles is a heady subject. Concerning the Goldberg Variations, I prefer that *all* the repeats be observed, not out of respect for Bach's intentions, although that's a worthy criterion, but simply because observing all repeats in the work enhances my enjoyment of the music. >... is there a difference between listening to the Goldberg set with >repeats and listening to it twice, without repeats? Definitely - it changes the sequential pattern which could well impact the listener's enjoyment, appreciation, images in the listener's mind, etc. Don Satz [log in to unmask]