Overall Thoughts ✧
At the time of the first recording, Gould was 22; the same age many of my classmates, roommates, and friends are now.
At the time of the second recording, Gould was 48 or 49, presumably; he would pass on only days after his 50th birthday.
I considered this timeline as I listened to the recordings; or rather, it made itself known.
I did not need to research beforehand; only knowing the recording dates, while listening, Gould's age difference struck me.
One of the most obvious differences between the two recordings is Gould's slowness in 1981.
The first recording is 38 minutes long; the second spans 51.
In 1981, Gould chooses slower tempos and plays more repeats.
I could not help but be reminded of the "slowness" and "death" connection described in the Ratliff text.
Selection: Variation 5 a 1 ovvero 2 Clav ✧
In this selection, both recordings are the same length, and presumably the same tempo.
However, the notes of Gould's left hand at the beginning fall ever so slightly more on beat in the newer recording.
In the older recording, Gould's left hand sounds like it is racing with his right, trying to push to tempo faster.
In the 1981 recording, Gould's playing is steady and controlled. And the strangest thing: I hear the harpsichord.
[Gould is playing a piano, is he not?]
I hear that the piece was composed for harpsichord (something I do not experience when I listen to the 1955 recording).
Whether that be due to terraced dynamics or the tone with which he strikes the keys; there is an unmistakably ancient sound to the newer recording.
The original recording, on the other hand, sounds unmistakably personal and young. I hear an expressive, eager pianist.
It reminds me of the sound of my classmates playing.
Despite being the older recording, it feels incredibly familiar and kindred to myself and my life right now.
I automatically prefer the 1955 recording, as it has this familiar and recognizable quality to me.
[This was unexpected. I have listened to the 1981 recording several times before, whereas the 1955 recording is-- literally-- unfamiliar to me.]
In Conclusion ✧
The newer recording sounds older.
✧
1955 recording
1981 recording
Comparison playlist I made