Ferruccio Busoni, an Italian composer, pianist, writer, and editor, believed that reflection on existing music could blossom into new beings, not just weaker versions of the original.
Compositional Technique
Bach's 'Goldberg Variations' are built on the bass line of an opening aria, with every third variation being a canon that progresses from the unison up to the ninth.
Composition History
The 'Goldberg Variations' by Bach were originally written for a two-manual harpsichord and first published in 1741.
Interpretation
Busoni's edition of the 'Goldberg Variations' aimed to make the work more suitable for concert performance by suggesting omissions and a reordering of variations into three groups.
Compositional Technique
Busoni's transcription of Bach's 'Chaconne' for piano solo aims to evoke the sound of an organ, creating a more 'Gothically etched' version of the original violin piece.
Performer Biography
Chiyan Wong, the pianist on this album, was awarded the 40th Grand Prix du Disque in 2018 for his debut album 'Liszt Transfigured', which featured his own completed and edited operatic transcriptions by Liszt.
Composer Biography
Ferruccio Busoni's catalogue includes 27 transcriptions and editions of works by Bach, demonstrating Bach's immense influence throughout Busoni's career.
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