Víkingur Ólafsson: Bach’s Goldberg Variations

Bach’s Goldberg Variations offers a dazzling journey through space and time.

Named after a virtuoso young harpsichordist, who occasionally studied with Bach, it was designed according to Bach himself ‘for the refreshment of [the listeners’] spirits’.

Set in motion by the simplest and most beautiful of arias, its 30 variations cover atmospheres ranging from tragedy to jubilation.

Although it was written for a two-manual harpsichord, many expert pianists have deftly transferred its glittering range of colour onto their modern instruments, even if it does involve some careful choreography!

This is a special chance to hear Ólafsson turn to a work that has become a landmark event in any pianist’s personal voyage.

Ólafsson’s supreme musicianship and communicative ease have quickly made him ‘The new superstar of classical piano’ (Daily Telegraph), while the New York Times dubbed him ‘Iceland’s Glenn Gould’.