Bach Alive, Figaro in Commercials

 

JS Bach published the Goldberg Variations in 1741. Many recordings have been made of this epic work for keyboard over the years, none more famous than the "bookends" of Glenn Gould's fabulous career...1955 and 1981. I like both, but if I had to choose, I would currently go with the 1981 recording. Fast forward to 2022. A Frenchman named Jean Rondeau has released his version of the Goldberg Variations...recorded on harpsichord. (Gould recorded them on a modern piano). When I first heard Rondeau's recording, I stopped in my tracks and immediately fell under his spell. This 281year-old work sounds brand new...fresh...alive. Musically speaking, this 31 year-old musician has a clear vision of what he wants to say and how to say it. Sure, he can play the notes....many keyboard players can play the notes...but Rondeau has a point to make and he seems to be saying that Bach means more to the world today than he ever has. I agree.

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I like to share examples of classical music being used in television commercials. Here's a new one for you: Armor All is a product you all probably have in your garage and use on your cars....I do. This commercial features music from Rossini's opera The Barber of Seville (1775)... the "famous" aria "La Figaro."

The producer/director could have used any music for their ad, but they chose this....a classical work. I applaud them for doing that!