14th May 2022 7:30pm Berdoulat, Margaret's Buildings, Bath.
International harpsichordist Nathaniel Mander will perform Bach’s iconic masterpiece the Goldberg Variations to celebrate the release of his recent recording of the work.
The Goldberg Variations were first published in 1742 under the unasuming title of 'Keyboard Practice...Prepared for the enjoyment of music lovers by Johann Sebastian Bach'.
In reality this masterwork not only challenges the player to reach new technical heights but on the emotional level encompasses all that it means to be human.
Bach achieves within only an hour of music a timeless stream of consciousness expressing both the deepest tragedy and the most exhilarating joys. All of this is inspired by the simplest of harmonic sequences which in itself is initially ornamented to create the exquisitely beautiful aria which begins this astonishing work.
In Bach's music we feel at the same time consoled and understood and yet challenged to know ourselves better. It's for this reason that this work has remained so popular and holds such an important place within the keyboard repertoire.
Biography:
Nathaniel Mander is one of the most exciting early keyboard players to emerge on the scene in recent years. Known for his expressive and virtuosic performances, he pursues an international career performing as harpsichordist and fortepianist.
At a young age Nathaniel was entranced by the unique sound of the harpsichord and was inspired to take up the instrument. He trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Carole Cerasi and has since gone on to perform throughout the UK, Europe and in the United States and South America.
Most recently Nathaniel has been invited to perform at the Palais Garnier in Paris in one’s of Rameau’s operas, Platée with Les Musiciens du Louvre and Mark Minkowski.
Signed CDs of Nathaniel's recently recorded Goldberg Variations will be on sale at the event, at a special offer price of £10.
