Programme notes
The Goldberg Variations form a cornerstone of keyboard repertoire, yet we rarely question the mode of presentation for this piece. Austrian composer Karlheinz Essl offers a refreshing glimpse of a new performance practice through his unusual take in Gold.Berg.Werk (2013-16). Originally envisioned as a performance environment for string trio, there is now a version for piano and live electronics. Gorgeous time-stretched harmonies are manipulated in real time and played back through spatialised loudspeakers in between the piano variations, bringing together Baroque and contemporary sound worlds.
This new reimagining of Bach’s vision juxtaposes the variations in a new strictly symmetrical structure which reflects the binary form of the original aria (a microcosm within a macrocosm with binary divisions commonly found in digital systems). No two performances are the same due to the live generation of the electronic interludes. Gold.Berg.Werk transcends itself and becomes a new piece in its own right, creating a sense of space and grandeur through electronic distribution of the interludes. This magical performance invites and entices the audience to join us on a journey of discovery, opening and blossoming into a whole new universe of sound.
How to enjoy this event
This event will be broadcast via YouTube. A video will be posted on this page before the event start time and will also be available to watch on our YouTube channel. All you need to do is click play, sit back and enjoy the event.
Q&A
There will be a live Q&A with the artists following the performance. Please continue watching the video.
If you would like to ask a question please post this in the live chat facility on YouTube. To access this facility please sign in to YouTube using your Google account. The chat facility is on the right hand side of the video while the screen is minimised.
Accessibility
This event is BSL interpreted.
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