Holloway, Robin: Gilded Goldbergs op. 86 (1992-97) 100'
freely re-composed for two pianos after J.S.Bach
World Premiere
2/1/1998
Finella, Cambridge
various pianists in relay
Composer's Notes
My elaboration for two pianos of the complete Goldberg Variations must surely be the most extended and elaborate act of “re-composition” in an epoch where, ever since Ravel’s Couperin, Strauss’s Lully and Stravinsky’s Pergolesi, this fascinating aspect of music-making has bloomed ever more abundantly. J.S. Bach with his foundations in mighty structure and his head in the starry heavens, has of course been the principal focus: Busoni, Schönberg, Webern, Berg, Stravinsky again, Koechlin, Grainger, Nancarrow, Kurtág are only a few of the illustrious masters who have paid their homage in their various ways.
Beginning and ending with simple transcription, the Gilded Goldbergs open out in ever-widening curves of exploration—of melodic, harmonic, polyphonic enrichment, of stylistic transformation and pianistic techniques. The result is a virtual encyclopaedia of twentieth-century practice, a tribute to modernism (and romanticism) as much as to Bach, embracing an emotional range from melancholic introspection to crashing triumph, extending en route to satire, burlesque, post-modern “poly-stylism”, cubism, futurism, bravura, and peasant bonhomie. Yet because every individual number is dedicated to a friend “pictured within”, the whole enterprise is infused with the tender warmth of domestic music-making.
—Robin Holloway, 1998
Reproduction Rights:
This programme note may be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer.
Recommended Recording
Jennifer Micallef (pft) / Glen Inanga (pft)
Hyperion CDA67360 (2 CDs)
"Holloway’s fanciful new construction using Bach’s bricks inspires deep admiration"
—Chamber Music Magazine
"A marvellous work … Whatever your CD priorities to date, this one surely has to fly straight to the top of your wants list"
—Gramophone
"Stimulating and immensely enjoyable music … The discs have seldom been off my player in recent days"
—International Record Review
Click here to purchase this CD set from our online shop
News stories for this title :
Holloway gilds Bach: new Hyperion disc wins acclaim
freely re-composed for two pianos after J.S.Bach
World Premiere
2/1/1998
Finella, Cambridge
various pianists in relay
Composer's Notes
My elaboration for two pianos of the complete Goldberg Variations must surely be the most extended and elaborate act of “re-composition” in an epoch where, ever since Ravel’s Couperin, Strauss’s Lully and Stravinsky’s Pergolesi, this fascinating aspect of music-making has bloomed ever more abundantly. J.S. Bach with his foundations in mighty structure and his head in the starry heavens, has of course been the principal focus: Busoni, Schönberg, Webern, Berg, Stravinsky again, Koechlin, Grainger, Nancarrow, Kurtág are only a few of the illustrious masters who have paid their homage in their various ways.
Beginning and ending with simple transcription, the Gilded Goldbergs open out in ever-widening curves of exploration—of melodic, harmonic, polyphonic enrichment, of stylistic transformation and pianistic techniques. The result is a virtual encyclopaedia of twentieth-century practice, a tribute to modernism (and romanticism) as much as to Bach, embracing an emotional range from melancholic introspection to crashing triumph, extending en route to satire, burlesque, post-modern “poly-stylism”, cubism, futurism, bravura, and peasant bonhomie. Yet because every individual number is dedicated to a friend “pictured within”, the whole enterprise is infused with the tender warmth of domestic music-making.
—Robin Holloway, 1998
Reproduction Rights:
This programme note may be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer.
Recommended Recording
Jennifer Micallef (pft) / Glen Inanga (pft)
Hyperion CDA67360 (2 CDs)
"Holloway’s fanciful new construction using Bach’s bricks inspires deep admiration"
—Chamber Music Magazine
"A marvellous work … Whatever your CD priorities to date, this one surely has to fly straight to the top of your wants list"
—Gramophone
"Stimulating and immensely enjoyable music … The discs have seldom been off my player in recent days"
—International Record Review
Click here to purchase this CD set from our online shop
News stories for this title :
Mailing List
Sign up for news updates and offers via email
SIGN UP
Featured Publication
Rachmaninoff: Paganini Rhapsody
The sparkling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for piano and orchestra is included in the Masterworks Library of full scores, ideal for conductors, students and music lovers.
READ MORE