What is your favourite rendition of the Goldberg variations by J.S. Bach?
My go-to version is the 1992 Tatiana Nikolayeva recording. I think it's perfect. For me, the point of reference compared to other versions is how she sets of with the first variation. Most players will wake up the listener by playing it loud and/or fast. She however does it slow and soft. In a natural way, after the aria.
The last few years I've grown very fond of David Fray's recording. Mainly because he plays the whole thing slower than Nikolayeva. I think it's the most romantic recording.
Lang Lang, who I never listened to before, is a close contender to the above two. I was pleasantly surprised. I have the special version with the studio recording and the recording in Bach's Leipzig church. I honestly can't tell the difference between the two recordings.
Recently I started listening to an Andras Schiff live recording. I kind of enjoy the details and his usual metronomic perfection.
Other recordings I listen to frequently are Rosalyn Tureck (sounds like an "old" recording), Fazil Say (kind of "funky"). I find the Alexandre Tharaud recording good, but perhaps it lacks character for me. There are no specific qualities that stood out for me. Perhaps a standard rendition, then?
Versions that I disliked Vikingur Olafsson (too much showing off technical skill i.m.o.; very fond of his Philip Glass recording), Pavel Kolesnikov (too many strange twists or details; although I saw him play it live and was very impressed).
I listen to the Goldbergs everyday. Never get bored by it. They are my safe haven. I wonder sometimes why I have the rest of my collection.
Edit : Forgot about Glenn Gould. Like for most, he was my entry into Bach. Also his Goldberg recordings. Must admit I never give him a listen anymore.