Product Description
Ten Variations for piano in G major on the bass of the Aria from J. S. Bach's "Goldberg" Variations, beginning directly with the first variation, which includes the theme in the bass. Neoclassical composition, with some Neo-baroque hints due to the theme, and some subtle allusions to the other great variation cycle, Beethoven's "Diabelli" Variations. Most of the variations are treated in invertible counterpoint (of course made easier by a more relaxed harmonic language) and, while including all the notes of the theme, transform it a lot through various moods.
Variation 1, elegant and poised, includes the notes of Bach's and of the author's names. Variation 2 is brusque and humorous. Variation 3, rather contemplative, fits the beginning of the famous Lutheran chorale "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her". Variation 4 has rather sparse textures and extreme registers. Variation 5, with complex chords, is first mysterious in the deep register, then ascends to an almost ecstatic state. Variation 6 is a canonic "perpetuum mobile". Variation 7 has harsh, polytonal clashes. Variation 8 is tranquil, flowing and polyphonic. Variation 9 in G minor is a pathetic, ornate lament. Variation 10, begins as a vigorous fugue in B flat major, interrupted before its coda by a poetic, varied return of Variation 1 in G major with the same "note cypher" and including the notes B-A-C-H in the final cadence. Recorded with an Erard historical piano from 1922, modeled by Modartt's Pianoteq. Duration: 16 min.
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