Goldberg Variations

Unlike many Bach works adapted for guitar, the intricacies of the Goldberg Variations lie beyond the scope of six strings. Guitarist Kurt Rodarmer circumvents these limitations via overdubbing--either playing duets with himself or else trios and quartets. Rodarmer also employs a custom-made guitar on which the bass register extends down into the cello register. While idiomatic keyboard effects, such as the cross-handed sequences, fall by the wayside, Rodarmer manages to convey the music's linear vitality at tempos that make most guitarists green with envy. Overdubbing, however, renders contrapuntal lines more independent than interactive. I am also bothered by the guitarist's cloying vibrato in lyrical movements and habitual accents on downbeats. A fun project, nonetheless. --Jed Distler