Goldberg Variations

Five variations of Bach’s Baroque variation masterpiece – on the harpsichord, on the modern grand piano and in two extraordinary trio formations.

Víkingur Ólafsson
Víkingur Ólafsson © Ari Magg

The »Goldberg Variations« are a masterly exercise in the Baroque art of the variation. From a single bass line, Johann Sebastian Bach developed 30 variations whose stylistic diversity ranges from strict canons and courtly dances to folk melodies. This wealth of different facets can be heard no fewer than five times this season at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laeiszhalle – in varying instrumentation. While Víkingur Ólafsson plays the work in both concert halls on a modern grand piano, Jean Rondeau presents the original version for harpsichord. And we enter completely different musical spheres with a string trio version and with the charming combination of saxophone, accordion and cello.

Events of the spotlight

Supporting Programme

  • Kulturladen St. Georg
    Goldberg / Trio d'Iroise & Syriab Trio

    Salām Bach!

    Trio d’Iroise / Syriab Trio – Elbphilharmonie PLUS

    Past Event