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Goldberg Variations

ternary patterns for insomnia

— ,Barbican Theatre

Revel in the joy, complexity, and lyricism of an invigorating collaboration between Stockholm-based Andersson Dance and classical musicians Scottish Ensemble as they reawaken a timeless masterpiece.

There’s a sublime synergy to this infectious encounter between the eleven members of an internationally renowned string orchestra and five contemporary dance artists. Taking Bach’s abstractly beautiful Goldberg Variations, they collectively bring out its moments of tender, expressive, vulnerable and life-affirming humanity.

Expect a contrast of slow and fast, uplifting and reflective, extroverted and introverted movement that mirrors the light and mournful moods of the unfolding variations. But it’s not just the dancers who lose themselves in Örjan Andersson’s astute choreography – the musicians do so as well, temporarily setting their instruments aside in this playful yet profound interpretation. Genuine alchemy is to be found as the two companies perform seamlessly as one to unlock the soul of the music. 

Tagged with: Classical music Theatre & dance Barbican Presents 2017–18 More...

Duration: 1 hour, 15 mins, no interval
Age guidance: 14+ (contains nudity)

5 Jul, Post-show talk
Free to same-day ticket holders

Presented by the Barbican. Part of the 2017–18 Classical Music Season. Produced by Andersson Dance, Scottish Ensemble and Nordberg Movement. Coproduced with Regionteatern Blekinge Kronoberg and Riksteatern. Made possible with support by City of Stockholm, Creative Scotland and Swedish Arts Council

Creative team

Örjan Andersson Choreographer
JS Bach - Goldberg Variations [arr. Sitkovetsky] Music
Jonathan Morton Musical Direction
SUTODA Set Design and Lighting
Bente Rolandsdotter Costumes
Sam Salem Video
Anna Lindqvist Dyer/Painter
Bitte Alm Tailor
Ina Sletsjøe Choreographer’s Assistant
Lumination of Sweden Technicians
Lumination of Sweden/SUTODA Technical services in co-operation

Performers

Jozsef Forro, Eve Ganneau, Paul Pui Wo Lee, Csongor Szabo, Danielle de Vries Dancers (Andersson Dance)
Jonathan Morton, Cheryl Crockett, Clio Gould Musicians (Scottish Ensemble); Violin 1
Rakhvinder Singh, Joanne Green, Laura Ghiro Musicians (Scottish Ensemble); Violin 2
Jane Atkins, Andrew Berridge Musicians (Scottish Ensemble); Viola
Alison Lawrance, Naomi Pavri Musicians (Scottish Ensemble); Cello
Diane Clark Musician (Scottish Ensemble); Double Bass

Reviews

‘A revelation on several levels… Please, everyone, play it again. Soon.‘
Mary Brennan, Herald Scotland
‘The string arrangement, based on Dmitry Sitkovetsky’s trio version of 1985, has a sonority and texture to which the choreography provides astute, visual commentary.‘
Alfred Hickling, Guardian
‘An undeniably engaging performance with many moments of genuine alchemy.‘
Lorna Irvine, Fjord Review
‘Pushed way past conventional boundaries… after this cross-arts collaboration, in a welcome dynamic and exciting approach, we are promised further innovations in the future.‘
David Smythe, Bachtrack
‘The result is a musical feast… Magnificent music, the variety in the choreography and gentle humour, decidedly interesting dancers.‘
Peter Bohlin , nummer.se

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Watch: Goldberg Variations - ternary patterns for insomnia

11 musicians and 5 dancers are choreographed together as one in this new interpretation of J.S.Bach's masterpiece, Goldberg Variations...

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