The later Goldberg Variations is certainly a departure from the earlier one, which I had grown accustomed to and still hear in my mind’s ear.
I like the 1955 version better, too. It has an astounding liveliness and briskness. I’ve turned several people on to classical music with that recording.
Live GV #3, 9, 15, 27:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ctyS6idwn8