Víkingur Ólafsson – Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Var. 1 (Official Music Video)

Celebrated for his visionary interpretations of J.S. Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson, one of the greatest pianists and musical minds of today, now embraces Bach’s monumental Goldberg Variations. Ólafsson devotes his entire next season to touring the work globally across six continents, while October 2023 marks the anticipated album release on Deutsche Grammophon. “I have dreamed of recording this work for 25 years,” says the Icelandic pianist.

The album follows Ólafsson’s hugely successful DG recording of works by the composer, Johann Sebastian Bach (2018), which won BBC Music magazine’s Album of the Year, Opus Klassik’s Solo Recital award, numerous other recording of the year accolades and led to him being named Gramophone magazine’s Artist of the Year. Now Ólafsson brings his unique musical vision, and an affecting, meticulous recorded sound to Bach’s masterpiece. It marks the first time Ólafsson records a complete work and he begins with one of the most demanding in the piano repertoire.

Ólafsson dedicates his 2023-24 season to a Goldberg Variations world tour, performing the work across six continents throughout the year. He brings Bach’s masterpiece to major concert halls including London’s Southbank Centre, New York’s Carnegie Hall, Wiener Konzerthaus, Philharmonie de Paris, Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, Philharmonie Berlin, Harpa Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, LA’s Walt Disney Hall, Sala São Paulo, Shanghai Symphony Hall, Tonhalle Zurich, KKL Luzern, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Mupa Budapest and Teatro Colón, to name a few.

“The Goldberg Variations contain some of the most virtuosic keyboard music ever written, some of the most astonishingly brilliant uses of counterpoint in the repertoire and countless instances of exalted poetry, abstract contemplation and deep pathos – all within immaculately shaped structures of formal perfection. In 30 variations, built on the humble harmonic framework of a simple, graceful aria, Bach turns limited material into boundless variety like no one before or since. He is the greatest keyboard virtuoso of his time.” comments Víkingur Ólafsson.


Find out more about Víkingur Ólafsson here:


Directed by: Erlendur Sveinsson

Produced by: Kristín Ósk Sævarsdóttir
Director of Photography: Baldvin Vernharðsson
Stylist & Make Up: Sigrún Ásta Jörgensen
Gaffer: Hákon Hjartarsson
PA: Bryndís Sigurðardóttir
Editor: Úlfur Teitur Traustason
Color: Ágúst Ari Þórisson

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[elenachatzigiorgaki]

Fast, precise, energetic. Any of his albums has a different "feel". Interesting in any way. Bravo! 👏

[bruinChrist]

What did we do to deserve such pure music?

it’s a gift!

[vlopicj]

Amazing articulation, technique and musicality.

[michaelpietrobon]

I have been waiting for this for years, but never thought it would really happen! I’m so excited to hear this whole album. The little teasers released so far have been fantastic. I never expect any less from the esteemed Mr. Olafsson, and I’m never disappointed. Bravo!

[GoddyGoodman]

I cannot help playing the video over and over again. Olafsson's play gave the exact interpretation of the delicate machanic of the composition, the piano instrument and the musician. I imagine I stood to listen, walked around openning my eyes to observe the whole performance.

[coccinella]

The fastest Variation 1 of BWV 988 I‘ve ever heard… thank you! 👏👏👏

[kuuv]

This has to be the pearliest sound I've ever heard

[alenkapintar]

Great performance. Bach's music is always a joy to listen.

[pietrovergani]

I’ve always thought that Gould’s performance could never be surpassed, but then Ólafsson made this and wow… He plays fast but not too fast, his sound is, as always, incredibly clear and pure.
Can’t wait for the whole performance coming out in October!!

[rayoflight]

A ride through Paradise. It is confusion when the Variations end.
Bravo Maestro Vikingur Olaffson!
Greetings from the UK
Anthony

[pietalberts]

Uiterst briljant! Vol vuur! Hier kunnen we niet omheen!

[galinakrivulin]

Absolute gem!

Unforgettable divine no intermission May 10, 2023 Vikingur Olafsson’s solo recital @ our beautiful Walt Disney Concert Hall! No end standing ovation!

[ralphwetzel]

I saw him live with the Goldberg Variations in Frankfurt and also the live-stream from Seoul on Friday… there is currently no better pianist around… his play is just gorgeous…

[luisellagobetti]

👏👏💯💯🎹🎹🎶🎶🎶🎶🎹. BRAVO 👏👏 ECCELLENTE 🎶🎹👏👏💯💯

[Metasisic]

Amazing playing with perfect technical skill. My favorite variation, second is variation no. 15, also performed wonderfully by Olafsson.

[nicoleasdorion]

📌 - UNE INTERPRÉTATION TRÈS SUBTILE DE BACH ❕
MERCI À VOUS ... POUR CE KDO . DIVINEMENT VÔTRE ⚜’’🎼🎹 ’’⚜

[germanruiz]

Una interpretación magistral de un artista fuera de serie. Estoy encantado! ❤️🎹🎵🎵

[christian-andreaspistor]

Last night 10/17/2023 at Philharmonie, Berlin. Bach is alive. Joyful and jazzy. Thank you Vikingur! 🎹🎼🤪👍💣💥♥️

[magicmulder]

I could never stand Gould's mechanical "typewriter" style and always knew Bach could be played with a soft and emotional touch. Now I feed vindicated. :) Ólafsson plays it in a way that I can enjoy the GV for the first time.

[chriskendall]

Extraordinary joy, delight and wonder in Ólafsson's playing. I've never quite connected with Glenn Gould's interpretations, which somehow seem too worldly and technically-minded to me. Ólafsson delivers all the dexterity along with great wisdom and sensitivity. A sublime Bach interpretation, and I can't get enough of this record. Thank you!!