Neuroscientist and Pianist Explore Bach’s Goldberg Variations Together
Creatrip Team
a month ago
A special event will pair KAIST neuroscientist Jung Jae-seung with pianist Han Ji-ho to explore Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations on March 21, Bach’s birthday, at Seoul Arts Center IBK Chamber Hall. Han, a 32-year-old internationally acclaimed pianist and Indiana University faculty member, has been performing and studying the work worldwide; German press compared his Bach to a unique position between Glenn Gould and Wilhelm Kempff. The Goldberg Variations feature an aria followed by 30 variations that return to the original theme, forming a tightly calculated musical structure often called a “musical architecture.” Han says the work’s cyclical return resonates with East Asian thought and hopes to share that experience with the audience. After the recital, a talk session titled “Questions of the Goldberg” will be moderated by Jung, who will use a scientist’s perspective to discuss the piece’s structure and human cognition. (Goldberg Variations: Bach’s keyboard work with an aria and 30 variations)
