Classic in the Crypt: Johann Sebastian Bach — Goldberg Variations
Vienna, Peterskirche — Krypta
About the Event
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of piano music at Peterskirche in Vienna, where the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach comes alive in a mesmerizing performance. Explore the profound beauty of Bach's Goldberg Variations in the intimate and historic setting of St. Peter's Church crypt, which enhances the masterpiece with exceptional acoustics.
The Goldberg Variations, considered the epitome of Baroque variation art, are masterfully played by Stefan Donner with technical brilliance, emotional depth, and precision. Experience a spellbinding performance that showcases the hypnotic allure of Bach's composition in a truly special way.
Klassik in der Krypta provides unparalleled concert experiences of the highest quality. As Austria's smallest opera and concert theater, the performances in the KRYPTA captivate audiences with their intensity, excellence, and distinctive acoustics.
Practical Information
The crypt is pleasantly tempered at any time of year.
Program
- Johann Sebastian Bach – Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Artists
| Piano: | Stefan Donner |
|---|
Peterskirche
The Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church) is the second-oldest church in Vienna, founded around 800AD, if legend is to be believed. The present church was built in 1732 in the Baroque style, with Vienna's first baroque dome. Inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the interior is adorned with frescoes, sculptures, golden altarpieces and carved wood. Peterskirche is one of Vienna's busiest classical music venues, featuring a diverse program that includes daily organ concerts, operas, choral concerts and performances by prominent local and international artists. In addition to performances in the elegant main sanctuary, the Peterskirche also hosts concerts in the fascinating and intimate crypt below ground level.
Johann Sebastian Bach
The name Bach and the word musician had long been synonyms in Germany as the world saw 56 musicians from this kin. But it was Johann Sebastian Bach, a genius composer and virtuoso organ player, who shed lustre on his family name. He was born on th 31st of March 1685 in Eisenach, a small town in Thuringia. At the age of 10 he became an orphan and was brought up by his elder brother Johann Christoph, who was an organist in a neighbouring town. His brother was the one to teach music to the young Johann Sebastian. Later he moved to Luneburg where he attended a church school and mastered the techniques of playing violin, viola, piano and organ by the age of 17. Besides that, Bach was a choir singer and later after his voice broke he became a chanter’s assistant. In 1703 Bach was hired as a court musician in the chapel of Duke Johann Ernst III. He earned such a good reputation there that he was later invited to Arnstadt to be an organist at the New Church, where he wrote his best organ works. In 1723 he moved to Leipzig to be a chantor at St. Thomas Church where he stayed until his death of a stroke in 1750. In the year of his death he had undergone unsuccessful eye surgery which lead him to lose his eyesight. During that strenuous time his second wife Anna Magdalena helped him to write his last musical pieces. Bach’s artistic legacy is vast. He created compositions in all genres of the time: oratorias, cantatas, masses, motets, music for organ, piano and violin.
Address
Peterskirche, Petersplatz, Vienna, Austria — Google Maps
