Bach: Goldbergovsk variace – CD

Johann Sebastian Bachs Goldberg Variations BWV 988 are presented here in an arrangement for woodwind quartet by Vclav Vonek, performed by the Arundo Quartet: Jan Souek on oboe, Jan Mach on clarinet, Karel Dohnal on basset horn and Vclav Vonek on bassoon. One of Bachs most frequently recorded works, the Goldberg Variations appear here in an unusual setting that reveals new colours and allows the individual lines of the polyphonic writing to be followed more clearly than in the original keyboard version. The aria and thirty variations offer space for lyrical singing lines, charming instrumental colours and virtuosic brilliance. The intimate world of the Goldberg Variations is followed by the festive Suite in C major BWV 1066, the oldest and most French-influenced of Bachs four orchestral suites. The recording is performed by four exceptional musicians who are accomplished soloists and chamber players and who also appear in leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Czech Philharmonic. A distinctive interpretation of the Goldberg Variations in the charming colours of woodwind instruments.