Bach’s Goldberg Variations

Event details

Danny Driver  piano

Schubert   Impromptu in B-flat, D. 935, no. 3
Thomas Simaku   Catena IV
Bach   Goldberg Variations, BWV 988

One of Britain’s foremost pianists, Danny Driver is recognised internationally for his sophistication, insight and musical depth and frequently performs at leading venues and festivals around the world. A masterpiece of polyphonic and technical brilliance, Bach’s Goldberg Variations is one of the composer’s most beloved pieces for the keyboard. The bass line from the first movement forms the basis of the 30 short variations that follow before a reprise of the opening aria allows the work to come full circle. Originally conceived for harpsichord, countless composers and performers have reworked the Goldberg Variations for other instruments. Glenn Gould’s iconic recording from 1956 helped to firmly establish the work within the piano repertoire. A modern keyboard instrument notably offers a performer a dynamic and textual range far beyond that which was available to the composer. The programme – originally developed for the Wigmore Hall’s Variations Series – also includes the B-flat variations from Schubert’s second set of Impromptus and the fourth work of York-based composer Thomas Simaku’s Catena Cycle, which was written for and dedicated to Danny Driver. Focal points of Catena IV include the fourth and fifth sections, which reimagine Ligeti’s ‘lamento motif’ and the opening figure of Chopin’s Ballade no. 1.

‘A performance of dauntless clarity, understated wit and graceful vitality’ (The Guardian)

‘This was the most life-affirming concert I’ve attended in a long time’ (Bachtrack)