In the Aria da capo 1955 version Glenn Goulds plays with a tempo that seems to have each note flowing into the next with flighty light movement’s. Sometimes letting notes breath for their full length as well as fractioning notes in order to push the movement further. This being the closing piece he provokes a feeling of goodbye not in an overly melancholy matter but in somewhat of a neutral gentle way.

Compared to the 1981 version of Arie da capo he slows it down slightly giving it a more pensive tone. Although the notes are roughly the same in both versions and they are both monophobic the progression feels very different between them. The arch as well as the falling and rising aspects in the 1981 rendition don’t feel as drastic or noticeable until closer to the end of the song where he introduces some darker tones. Perhaps because he takes more time in the 1981 version and pauses for longer this results in the unfolding of the piece to feel more consistent and steady.

I personally enjoyed the 1955 rendition more although they both had similar themes including contemplation, fondness and a sense of farewell. I found it easier to digest in the 1955 rendition maybe because of its tempo and directional motion behind it. That being said both renditions have their charm and I enjoyed experiencing how he chose to adapt them during different times in his life.