Reviews, critics

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Goldberg Variations BWV 988, Clavierübung IV (1742)
transcribed for and performed on guitar by JÓZSEF EÖTVÖS

- The CD Recording:
Eotvos plays a guitar made by Karl Heinz Rommich (1994) and the sound is clear and sweet. Some use of reverberation is used in the sound mixing, however, this is not intrusive. The general description that one can make of the performance is confident with an Artist having a strong technique and moments of considerable brilliance. Eotvos is no beginner, and demonstrates a clear and articulate approach to the guitar and music. Of particular note is his sensitive playing of the G minor variation No.25 which is nothing less than beautiful and haunting.
- Variation 25: Chanterelle Edition (1997)
This is followed by a rapid variation of long run arpeggios with a strong rhythmic treatment alternating between the bass and treble.
- It is quite evident that Eotvos enjoys his material and is concerned about the duration of each note, particularly the canons and the contrapuntal quality of Bach's music. The voices are clear and articulately heard, for example, listen to variation 15 - Canone alla Quinta.
- On a less positive side of the performance is a sense that the tempo slows on the more virtuosic passages, notably variation 23 and 28, but whether this is my prejudice having listened for many years to virtuosic harpsichordist and pianist, is not altogether clear. What is perhaps important to keep in mind is Eotvos's objective in the transposing of the Goldberg variations:
- "A transcription should create a true work for the guitar and not merely an imitation of the original.."
- If we take this point into consideration then perhaps then we can take Eotvos's benchmark without prejudice. All this is not to take the performance out of context given the immense task of transcribing and playing one of the greatest works of variations next to the Diabelli variations of Beethoven.
- Overall, this performance is a brilliant piece of showmanship but not at the expense of drawing out the rich contrapuntal depth of Bach's genius. This CD recording and the Charanterelle edition is a must for lovers of the guitar and Bach Pluckers in general.