Ottavio Dantone - J.S. Bach - Goldberg Variations (2005)

Dantone interpretation is easily one of the best I have heard in recent years, and I consider it among the elite harpsichord recordings of the Goldbergs in the catalogs. His interpretations feature a compelling mix of power/energy, rhythmic lift, sharply etched phrasing, poignant refrains, playful episodes, bleak terrains and totally satisfying conversations from Bach's contrapuntal musical lines. I think it is fair to say that Dantone gives us the full measure of Bach's soundworld in excellent sonics that are crisp as well as well as abundantly rich.

Ottavio Dantone took his diploma in organ and harpsichord at the "G. Verdi” Conservatoire in Milan, starting his concert career when he was still very young. From the very beginning, he devoted himself to an in-depth study of ancient music, quickly arousing the interest of public and critics alike.
In 1985 he was awarded a prize for basso continuo at the International Competition in Paris, and then in 1986 at the International Competition at Bruges (two of the most important competitions in the world), and was the first Italian to have had such recognition as a harpsichordist at international level.
Since 1996 he has been musical director of Accademia Bizantina in Ravenna. In 1999, the first performance in modern times of "Giulio Sabino” by Giuseppe Sarti marked his debut in the field of opera. Since then his usual activity as soloist and musical director of chamber ensemble has intensified with his role as conductor as he enhances his operistic repertoire from the classic to romantic period, performing both well and lesser-known operas, often as world premiers in the latter case.
In the spring of 2005 he achieved great success as conductor of Rinaldo by G. F. Haendel for Pier Luigi Pizzi’s stage production at La Scala Theatre in Milan.
His regular concert commitments have taken him to the most prestigious opera houses and international festivals.
He can be heard on numerous radio and television recordings in Italy and abroad, as well as on famous recording labels as both soloists and conductor for which he has gained many awards and acclaimed international reviews.
Since 2000 he has made several recordings for Decca both with Accademia Byzantina (who became exclusive Decca artists in 2008)
and as a harpsichord soloist in works like Bach's Goldberg Variations. For ONYX he has recorded Bach Sonatas with Viktoria Mullova, gaining a Diapason d'Or de l'Annee, and will record a solo Bach programme in 2009.