International Pianists in Recital | presented by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Monday 18 March, 2024, Sydney Opera Concert Hall
JS BACH (1685-1750) – Goldberg Variations BWV988
VÍKINGUR ÓLAFSSON – piano
Most concertgoers who attend piano recitals know the fanciful story behind the composition of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, a serene theme and 30 variations that set the standard of invention and beauty for composers who followed Bach. But let’s not allow a good fairytale about music for an insomniac to get in the way of appreciating one of the greatest keyboard works of all time. The sheer simplicity and near static nature of the theme hides from us, the listener, what will come later. And having heard the work so many times, I am still thrilled with the music as it unfolds.
Víkingur Ólafsson has a major reputation in Europe and he is on his first tour to Australia – and the audience for this concert gave him a standing ovation. His technique is phenomenal, his phrasing is measured and is at the service of the music and his choice of tempi is well considered. From the divine opening Aria to its reappearance at the end of the variations Ólafsson took the audience on a personal view of the work. He can play very slow and very, very fast. Some would find it a touch hurried at times but the world does seem to spin prestissimo nowadays.
Ólafsson is on a world tour playing the Goldberg Variations and he will perform it nearly 100 times this season. ‘I just turned 40 and realised now is my time to do the Goldberg Variations,’ says Ólafsson. ‘This is my year to reflect, and it’s my year touring the whole world playing this, my favourite work of all time.’
In Bach’s lifetime very few of his works would have received even 30 performances. At the Sydney Opera House a completely full house, nearly 2,500 people came to worship at a living shrine of JS Bach. It is a pity that Bach did not know what the future would hold for his legacy, one where audiences adore his music and the composers who followed him are in constant awe at his genius. There are many solo performers and ensembles that make it their life’s work playing the music of Bach. These are different times to the early 18th century and we are the fortunate ones to have access to performances such as this recital and of this quality in our city.
Photo Credit: Images courtesy of Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Photo by Craig Abercrombie.
