Goldberg Variations, Britten Sinfonia

Bach’s seminal piano work ‘Goldberg Variations’, first published in 1741 is heralded by many as one of the great creations in the history of western music. Composed originally for solo harpsichord, it consists of an opening aria and thirty variations on it – each of them delicate, intricate, and disarmingly beautiful. The work has been realised for a variety of instrumental combinations since its creation – often illuminating hidden beauties less accessible on the harpsichord; and on March 20^th we can hear a version for string orchestra which is set to glisten. The arrangement, by brilliant Russian violinist and conductor Dmitry Sitkovetsky, is sure to be played expertly by The Britten Sinfonia – one of the most consistently impressive orchestra in London. Leading the pack will be British violinist Thomas Gould, described by The Guardian as "staggeringly virtuosic" and by The Sunday Times as "a soloist of rare refinement".
Sitting alongside is Italian Baroque composer Locatelli’s Concerto Grosso Op1 in C Minor. Written at roughly the same time as Bach’s Variations, this lesser known piece will form a neat opening to the concert, with its sprightly, dance-like feel introducing the sound of 18^th Century Europe. But perhaps the hidden gem of the evening will be young London-based composer Tom Coult’s new work – we know little about the piece (not least the title, which is yet to be released), but we can expect a hypnotic, shimmering sound-world with a visceral rhythmic centre, and an overarching cinematic quality; we’re excited to see how he knits his new piece into the fabric of an otherwise Baroque-based night. It’s a must; get booking - it promises to be a gem.