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Just listening on the radio. He hasn't a clue. Is Gould to blame?

I have just been listening to him talking about it on BBC Radio 4.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000qly0

Yes, I just caught the end (the playing bit). I think Gould's laissez-faire attitude has much to answer for.

I've listened to both versions of LL and although I found some interesting things he did, overall there were too many details exaggerated that makes it a rendition I will not be returning to especially considering so many fine recordings of this masterwork out there.

I like the way he plays it. I agree there are some exaggerations, it's fine though, no different than a DJ playing with the eq. It's not some off the street DJ, it's LL, so overall, I'll take his word for it, sounds good.

what the heck kind of assumption behind your question is that. He hasn't a clue? Is Gould to blame?

My thought regarding the performances of Bach as well as Mozart is this:

There will always be thoughtful interpretations of the score exactly as they are meant to be made. There will always be an orthodox score. But there is no reason we should suppress original interpretations, from Lang Lang on the Goldbergs to Gulda on the Mozart. Further... now that the orthodox recordings have already been made, why not now experiment?

I for one hugely appreciate Lang Lang's interpretation. I expected the hate on his work 15 years ago when I first started on this forum, but Lang Lang has grown up, and so have I

He has been thoughtfully considering playing this work for over 2 decades. Dont pretend he doesn't have an approach. And all artistic approaches are up for game in my opinion

h8ers gon' h8.. They show up precisely where Success begins.

Yep. If you ask me they are dangerously close to the armchair philosopher zone. How easy is it to be a critic in your arm chair? Meanwhile Lang Lang is down on the frontline making a fresh and new interpretation of a seminal work. What he is doing is brave. What you're doing... not brave

Sheesh...

People should stick to the music. His intepretation is incoherent. Has that become a thing?

So, your ability is greater the LL? If so, you play and record it😂

By your own criteria you'd be excluded from commenting on my efforts. Music is a language. Bach worked within the musical language of his time. 'LL' just doesn't speak it (and it's not up for grabs).

Someone else whose ability is obviously greater! - 'Mannerisms and slow tempi squeeze the life out of Bach’s music, with too few flashes of understanding' https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/10/bach-goldberg-variations-review-lang-lang

and ' Film buffs recognize overacting in a flash, and won’t put up with it. Mr. Lang, I think, does the equivalent of overacting in music; his expressivity tips over into exaggeration, even vulgarity.' https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/04/arts/music/lang-lang-bach-goldberg-variations.html

Oh, so many h8ers! What is the world coming to?

If we expected those with an opinion of professional performances/recordings to play at a professional level, there would essentially be no posts on these forums. If this is the standard, it also must apply equally to those that like as well as dislike an interpretation/performance. Unreasonable even at just face value.

Indeed....
This is the second thread on the same recording in as many months. I wouldn't place my bets on how many more we will get here in Pianist Corner before New Year's Day 2022, as more people discover the delights of Lang Lang's Goldberg, and the £$€ rake in for this magnificent pianist.........

Hmmm, we seem to be fighting a proxy war here, so I might as well join in. (Never could resist frays myself ).

From the previous thread in Pianist Corner on the same subject (which you obviously haven't read), here are the reviews from the UK's classical CD review magazines:

Gramophone:

"Hearing Murray Perahia, András Schiff or Angela Hewitt in Bach's Goldberg is akin to absorbing a substantial literary work. Lang Lang, however, offers the musical equivalent of a cinematic epic directed by Robert Altman or Steven Spielberg.......His Goldbergs are vividly detailed, markedly diverse in mood and expression, meticulously thought out in terms of style yet highly subjective, and brilliantly yet not brainlessly virtuoso.

The Aria alone indicates what to expect via the pianist's expansive legato lines, chiaroscuro balances and lavish ornaments on the repeats.

....the consistency of his interpretative vision and his ability to carry it out with conviction and authenticity add up to an entertaining and fulfilling listening experience." - Jed Distler

BBC Music Magazine:

"I was impressed by the immaculate playing, and by the fact that Lang Lang wears his heart on his sleeve throughout: this is in extreme contrast to András Schiff's celebrated 2003 recording, in terms of both emotion (with Schiff, even the Black Pearl variation emerges notably dry) and in tempo. Lang Lang's Black Pearl seems to make the world stand still, but there's nothing mawkish about it.

......Such is the integrity of Lang Lang's interpretation: he has deeply pondered every bar, and his edifice is rock-firm.

This release is a reminder that he is a magnificent musician." - Michael Church

It's what you would expect from an organization that serves up such gunk as Essential Classics and Night Tracks. Presumably Gramophone have skin in the game. At least the Gramophone used the words 'highly subjective' bless 'em!

You mean good ol' Beeb?

Well, they do recognise that not everybody likes music, and some (apparently) are even tone deaf :

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p092vgxp

Just read the other thread. Some sensible stuff there.