'Bach Expert' Olafsson Solo Recital... Performance of 'Goldberg Variations'

On the 15th at Yesul-ui Jeondang and on the 16th at Tongyeong International Music Hall

“Without Bach, I have no meaning,” said Icelandic pianist V?kingur ?lafsson, who will perform Bach’s "Goldberg Variations" at a solo recital in the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center on the 15th.

Composed by Bach in 1741, the "Goldberg Variations" is one of the most famous variation works in the history of classical music.

?lafsson is known as a "Bach expert of our time" and "Iceland’s Glenn Gould (1932?1982)." Gould, one of the leading pianists of the 20th century, was especially renowned for his exceptional interpretations of Bach’s works.

Pianist V?kingur ?lafsson [Photo by Universal Music]

On October 6th, ?lafsson also released a studio album titled Bach: Goldberg Variations through Deutsche Grammophon (DG). This is his second Bach album following 2018’s Johann Sebastian Bach.

?lafsson said he had dreamed of recording the "Goldberg Variations" for 25 years. He stated, “Bach’s Goldberg Variations is one of the most virtuosic pieces in keyboard music. It is grand like a massive oak tree painting, yet full of vitality within.” He added, “Each variation unfolds its own drama and emotion, and I am captivated by them. I immerse myself in the amazing little universe within the work, filled with the joy of discovery.”

In 2019, ?lafsson won the BBC Music Magazine Awards for Best Instrumentalist and Album of the Year, and was also named Gramophone Artist of the Year. This year, he was nominated in three categories at the Opus Klassik Awards, including Instrumentalist of the Year.

Following his performance at the Seoul Arts Center, ?lafsson will conclude his first visit to Korea in five years with a solo recital at the Tongyeong International Music Hall Concert Hall on the 16th.