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The Goldberg Variations In Conversation

As world-renowned pianist Alexandre Tharaud says, one does not merely play the Goldberg variations; one “goes on a voyage” with them. The Goldbergs are one of Bach’s mature works, a full statement of his musical art and theory in a compact but incredibly emotional package.

Join pianist Anchie Donn and lecturer Mark Scarbrough virtually as they engage in six weeks of conversation about this monumental keyboard work. Professor Donn played the Goldbergs for her PhD recital and now teaches piano at Quinnipiac University. Mark Scarbrough is a familiar figure around Norfolk, lecturing on literature and culture (and three years ago, on Bach’s Christmas Oratorio). The sessions will run via zoom from the Norfolk library from 10:00 a.m. EDT to about 11:30 a.m. EDT, starting on January 19, 2022, and finishing up on February 23, 2022. The sessions are accessible only by signing up with the Norfolk Library. The first session is introductory with Scarbrough alone, then subsequent sessions will be a fusion of his historical and cultural lectures, her performance of six of the variations per week, and their conversation about those variations, including a more minute analysis of the difficulties and ingenuities of passages. This winter, get ready to be immersed in some of the finest keyboard music written.