A fascinating and effective example of this can be heard on The New Goldberg Variations (ALFi 15002). It is Johann Sebastian Bach's complete "Goldberg Variations" with a stylistically consistant, new counterline on the violin written by Joe Chindamo. Joe plays the piano part for the recording and Zoe Black takes the violin part.
The result is a new work, born of the old. The violin part adds a good deal to the music, a second or third voice in the counterpoint much of the time, and occasionally a reinforcement of the piano line, the latter of which remains just as Bach wrote it. Sometimes we get a kind of variation within a variation; other times an extension of Bach's contrapuntal thinking. Chindamo creates a sympathetic and very credible, even wondrous work out of it all.
Zoe Black and Joe Chindamo sound very buoyant, very spirited together here. Both are from Australia. Joe composes and both can play in a jazz mode apparently, but that is not what is happening on this album.
I was prepared to be disappointed, only because the "Goldberg Variations" have gained such an iconic footing in their original form that I wondered about the need of adding to them. I was wrong. The "New Goldberg Variations" are not meant to replace the old ones. They give you a fine new look at what can go with it all, a second work that can take its place proudly next to the original and be experienced as a nicely variant set of variations.
For all that I am fully satisfied and elated with this recording. It is a must for all Bachaholics as well as anybody looking for a new sonic experience. Bravo!
I found Joe on my way home from a gig, alone in my car, on a radio show - The Daily Planet, which tends to focus on the presenter's passion, blues & roots. The piece was solo piano jazz & I was captivated; I had to wait another day before I could track through archives to find that Joe was a fellow Australian, based in Melbourne.
ReplyDeleteI found Bach late in life, directed to his cello suites which were written in my clef, bass & grappled with a few of the more-accessible gigues for months until I could be satisfied with my efforts. He's a monster!
Finding & following Joe through social media, I have relished discovering his classical endeavours, leading to this current triumph & a much-anticipated & acclaimed recent performance @ Carnegie Hall with Zoe. I've yet to witness a live performance or meet in person; it will be fine day when that finally happens!
The world is your oyster JC - enjoy the fruits of your enormous talent & hard work!
Thanks for you comment, Pierre! Bach is a monster, indeed. I'll be posting on an interesting performance of the Cello Suites soon. Glad you appreciate Joe & Zoe. I love this new version!
ReplyDeleteAll best,
Grego