Bach - Goldberg Variations you favourite

I will only add the only work more perfect than the Golberg is the Art of the fugue, but the Goldberg are expression of pure joy, where the Art is pure contemplation.... 
I only describe my impression without pretending to anything....

:)

Maybe because my wife plays harpsichord, but as much as I enjoy several piano versions, my favorites are on the original instrument.  I have really grown to admire Richard Egarr's recording of late.

If you are not ruling out harpsichord, Pierre Hantai's first version (on Opus 111) is wonderful. His second recording (on Mirare) is also wonderful, but I prefer the first by a nose, for both sound and performance.

On the piano, Andrew Rangell's recording on Dorian brings an introspective quality I enjoy greatly. Very good sound, too, as was typical of Dorian.

i second Hantai first version.....But do not know Rangell, thanks....

Getting off to a great start and some I have never heard but are food for thought. I had completely forgotten about Perahia  but as great as the interpretation is the recording of the piano has some equalisation  problems that grate with me. The plus side with Perahia is I got to hear him live in Glasgow a few years ago and have to say it was wonderful. 
      On the Harpsicord I admit to liking , Kenneth Gilbert best then Pierre Hantai both versions then Richard Eggar only with minor reservations with the instrument used in which I find some of the notes in chordal writing a bit discordant.