Bach: Goldberg Variations / Nicholas Angelich, Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach, Performer: Nicholas Angelich, Whenever I have heard him in the past, Nicholas Angelich has seemed like a very heavy-handed pianist. Everything about his playing is strident and confident, not percussive as such; his sense of phrasing and legato is developed enough to avoid that accusation, just heavy. That sort of approach works well enough for Brahms, his recording of the Second Concerto is excellent, but he only has to take it back as far as Beethoven and the textures begin to get swamped by the sheer weight of his playing. When the variations proper begin, Angelich's trademark heavy touch begins to make itself apparent. With the exception of the quieter variations, the playing throughout is forceful and confident, but always flowing and lyrical. Angelich lifts many of the textures through carefully judged details. The relationship between the written notes and the ornaments, for example, is fascinating. By presenting the written notes with such surety, he is able to contrast the ornaments, which are usually lighter and often very slightly belated. That's a nice touch, although perhaps the contrast is a little heavy. Something else that is very heavy is Angelich's bass lines. The question again arises over whether they are appropriately articulated of just heavy-handed. I would inclined toward the former, especially given the structural significance of these bass lines, and the fact that most other pianists emphasize the melodies to the detriment of left hand clarity. The liner doesn't mention what piano is used, but it has a warm, round sound and plenty of power towards the bottom, ideal for showing off this pianists strengths. The recorded sound emphasizes atmosphere over pinpoint clarity, but there is no excessive resonance, and Angelich ensures that every line of the counterpoint shines through. Bach isn't the sort of repertoire that you would expect to benefit from Angelich's Lisztian pianism, but there are a surprising number of insights here that more timid pianists, let alone harpsichordists, don't quite manage. That combination of lucid, legato phrasing and confident keyboard technique deliver satisfying, and always musical results. But musical as it undoubtedly is, I would struggle to describe this recording as subtle. However, if like me you feel that there is too much subtlety in most Bach interpretation these days, Angelich might just be the man for you. - Gavin Dixon, MusicWeb International