Gold.Berg.Werk

Pestova, Xenia

Abstract

Ergodos is proud to release "Gold.Berg.Werk", a radical re-interpretation of J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations by Austrian composer Karlheinz Essl, performed by pianist Xenia Pestova Bennett, with live electronic diffusion by Ed Bennett. The Goldberg Variations form a cornerstone of keyboard repertoire, yet we rarely question the mode of presentation for this work. Here, Essl offers a refreshing glimpse of a new performance practice: gorgeous time-stretched harmonies are manipulated in real time and played back through spatialised loudspeakers in between the piano variations, bringing together Baroque and contemporary sound worlds.

Pianist Xenia Pestova Bennett reflects on her engagement with this transformative project: “The very idea of tackling the Goldberg Variations, places an enormous psychological “weight” of tradition on any keyboard player brave or foolish enough to do so. However, rather than presenting this work as a fixed artefact behind dusty museum glass, or trying to match existing interpretations, I find that it helps to view it as a living and evolving organism. Karlheinz Essl’s "Gold.Berg.Werk" (“gold mine work”), a new piece in its own right, takes Bach’s music as a point of departure and offers a fresh perspective.”

An additional binaural version of the album is available to download as a bonus item.

Citation

Pestova, X. (2021). Gold.Berg.Werk. Dublin

• Other Type: Composition
• Acceptance Date: Sep 27, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Nov 12, 2021
• Publication Date: Nov 12, 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 27, 2021
• Publisher: Ergodos
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/6343329
• Related Public URLs: https://ergodos.bandcamp.com/album/j-s-bach-karlheinz-essl-gold-berg-werk