CMS Colombo presents pianist Maria Garzón
Maria Garzón was born in Madrid where she started her musical education. She subsequently studied music in Austria, Germany, and the UK. Her international career took off in 1984 when she was chosen by RTVE to represent her country at the music year in Amsterdam. She has performed in many prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the Barbican. She has taken part in several festivals including Salzburg, Carthage, and Thessaloniki.
She has recorded for the BBC, Classic FM, WDR, RAI, RTVE, and NBC. She has been instrumental in the re-discovery of the works of J.L. Dussek and has recorded the first complete cycle of his sonatas for the Koch label. Her recording of Spanish piano music was awarded the prize for best record of the year by the British Retailers Association. Other recordings for ASV include the complete piano music by Joaquin Rodrigo and the complete Nimrod Variations for piano by Edward Elgar which was commissioned by the Elgar Society in the UK.
Other recordings include the complete piano works by Ullmann as well as an upcoming CD with a selection of his songs this fall. She presently lives and works in London. She is an honorary member of ILAMS and a Fellow of the RSA. She generously dedicates this concert to the Chamber Music Society of Colombo.
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations is a monumental work in the realm of classical music that has captivated audiences and musicians alike since its creation in 1741. Composed for the keyboard, most commonly performed on the harpsichord or piano, the Goldberg Variations consist of an aria and 30 variations that showcase Bach’s unparalleled mastery of counterpoint, harmony, and musical form.
The work is named after Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, a young keyboard virtuoso who likely performed the variations for Count Keyserling. The variations are structured around a beautiful and serene aria, which serves as the foundation upon which Bach builds a diverse and intricate musical tapestry through the subsequent variations. Each variation explores different musical ideas and techniques, ranging from virtuosic passages to poignant and introspective moments.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Goldberg Variations is the sheer variety and complexity of the musical material presented within a single work. Bach demonstrates his supreme skill as a composer by seamlessly weaving together contrapuntal lines, intricate ornamentation, and harmonic richness throughout the variations. The work is not only a testament to Bach’s contrapuntal prowess but also a profound expression of his creativity and musical genius.
The Goldberg Variations have long been revered for their intellectual depth and emotional power. The work has inspired countless musicians and composers over the centuries and continues to be regarded as a pinnacle of the keyboard repertoire.
In conclusion, Bach’s Goldberg Variations continue to beguile and inspire audiences around the world, solidifying their place as one of the greatest achievements in the history of music.