Both the 1981 and 1955 recordings of the first section share some similarities but also offer many differences. I found the 1955 recording to support more frequent polyphonic textures, diverging from the otherwise often homophonic left and right hand. They tend to more frequently drift along different melodies creating counterpoint, though it is often brought back to a homophonic texture where the left and right hands move through pitches together. Another large difference I noticed is the accompaniment of Gould’s vocal harmonies in the 1981 recording. Though they are subtle, they support the piano with homophonic texture.
Additionally, I found the 1981 recording of this section to hold much more space, and I found the use of this space to be more compelling. The space allowed for the vocal harmony to slip in without over-encumbering the sound. The 1955 records did not offer this space, though did not have the vocal harmony.