Gould Plays Bach: Concerto In F Major "Italian" BWV 971, Partita No. 1 In B-Flat Major BWV 825, Partita No. 2 In C Minor BWV 826

This recording captures Glenn Gould’s idiosyncratic and revelatory approach to Johann Sebastian Bach, a cornerstone of 20th-century classical interpretation. Released under the CBS Masterworks imprint, this collection reflects the mid-career period of Gould’s association with Columbia Records, during which he sought to strip away the perceived romantic excesses of the 19th-century performance tradition in favor of structural clarity, rhythmic drive, and a singular, percussive touch.

The design of these pressings generally adhered to the high production standards of CBS/Sony, often featuring iconic black-and-white photography that emphasized Gould’s intense, solitary focus. These interpretations were received with both critical fascination and occasional polarization; while many lauded his unprecedented technical precision and ability to delineate complex contrapuntal voices, traditionalists sometimes found his liberal use of staccato and vocalized humming during sessions to be a departure from established conventions.