Pierre Reach - Variations Goldberg (2020)

A recital devoted to Goldberg variations constitutes an experience far superior to any other program: for the listener, irresistibly drawn into the system of these thirty small worlds that these variations represent, coming from the sublime aria and gravitating around it; for the performer, also faced with complex writing, infinitely rich polyphony and spectacular virtuosity. The work begins with an aria of great melodic simplicity, of a twilight sweetness, almost timid, which will reappear at the end of the long path of variations charged with emotion of what has been accomplished. From which multiple challenges they radiate, these variations all in the key of G major, except three of them in G minor, the guns appearing with each third variation. Without wanting to go into details of writing and technical problems (incessant crossings of both hands on the single keyboard of the piano, multiple sound shots), I would say above all the feeling of intense joy, as always with Bach, but still the feeling of physical possession of the sound material that we experience when we measure ourselves against such a unique work, the source of a universal spirit. The privilege of playing it often in concert and recording it is always a wonderful start for me.

Pierre Réach