On the Goldberg Variations: Since my first encounter with Bach's Goldberg Variations, the sheer power and endless imagination of this music has left me utterly overwhelmed. The Goldbergs are like a compass, providing purpose and order, emotional and spiritual guidance that resonates deep within. And let's not forget the sheer joy and delight of physically playing them on the piano.
Very few pieces in the repertoire hold within themselves such infinite variety of expression, styles and genres as the Goldbergs. There is an overarching feeling of unity and inevitability, that resonates through the entire cycle. Expressively it represents a whole gamut of life. It simultaneously represents intellectual and physical wizardry, while exploring a kaleidoscope of moods and characters, with dances that make our toes tap. It is an encyclopedia of what music and pianism can do. Climbing that Goldberg mountain has been most challenging and fulfilling and I made a promise to myself to never stop playing this music.
