I just got back from a recital at the University of Houston of Sophia Gilmson playing the Goldberg Variations after giving a masterclass. The twist was that she played them first on a double-manual harpsichord and then on a Steinway D. It was a truly amazing experience, and I've heard, a very unique way to present the Variations.
Anyway, aside from complimenting Gilmson for her marvelous preformance both times, I must admit that I found the Variations more enjoyable on the piano, which I guess is pretty expectable. I'm still torn between the two sides though, one being that Bach wrote it for the harpsichord and so it should be played as if you were playing a harpsichord, and then another being that you should be allowed more dynamic control and expressiveness because that's what the modern instrument provides. I suppose that using the piano's potential is the only real way to add variety to the piece though. I'd be interested to hear other opinions though.
And, once again, I must say that the preformance was absolutely wonderful! Very interesting.