Bach: The Goldberg Variations
Yuan Sheng
Overview
As one of China’s foremost Bach interpreters, pianist and harpsichordist Yuan Sheng has presented J. S. Bach’s monumental Goldberg Variations in major venues across China, both on the modern piano and on the harpsichord. A direct disciple of Rosalyn Tureck — the legendary “High Priestess of Bach” — Sheng has inherited a deep scholarly tradition while developing his own distinct artistic voice. His performances combine clarity of touch, structural insight, and expressive imagination, offering audiences fresh inspiration through a timeless masterpiece.
Program
Foshan Grand Theatre – October 22, 2021
Program: Bach Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, BWV 903; Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Shenzhen Jing Shan Theatre – January 3, 2022
Program: Bach Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, BWV 903; Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Wuhan Qintai Concert Hall – March 21, 2021
Program: Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Zhuhai Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre – March 8, 2019
Program: Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988; works by Chopin and Debussy
National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing – May 14, 2016
(NCPA May Festival, “In Praise of Baroque”)
Through Time with Bach – A unique recital featuring both harpsichord and piano
Program: Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (Harpsichord); Overture in the French Style, BWV 831(Piano); Italian Concerto, BWV 971 (Piano)
About The Artist
Yuan Sheng has performed across more than 20 countries and appeared in major venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Cadogan Hall in London, Toronto’s Ford Centre, Seoul Arts Center, the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, and the Shanghai Oriental Art Center. His performances have been broadcast by international media including WQXR (New York), Boston Classical Radio, Radio France, Spanish National TV, and China Central Television.
As a recording artist with Piano Classics, Yuan Sheng has released ten albums featuring Bach, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky, with future projects including the complete works of Chopin, as well as major works of Bach and Beethoven. His harpsichord recording of the Goldberg Variations, released by NCPA Classics in 2018, was awarded Best Classical Performance Album at the 2019 CMA Awards.
Recording & Award
In June 2018, Yuan Sheng recorded the first-ever harpsichord version of the Goldberg Variations released in China, issued by NCPA Classics as a two-disc album. The recording was praised for its clarity of voices, rhythmic vitality, and scholarly insight.
In July 2019, the album won the Best Classical Performance Album at the 3rd China Music Industry Committee Awards (CMA Music Awards, widely known as the “Chinese Grammy Awards”).
Highlights
- Praised by The New York Times for “a sense of balance that is impeccable… with an appeal that is completely gripping.”
- Hailed by International Piano Magazine as “China’s leading exponent of Bach.”
- Combines harpsichord expertise and modern piano technique, creating a bridge between Baroque authenticity and contemporary expression.
Citation from Jury Statement:
“Through accurate judgment and deep understanding of classical works, the performer achieves a spiritual fusion between artist and music. The interpretation is technically superb, stylistically distinctive, comparable to historic classics and surpassing contemporary versions.”
Renowned conductor Long Yu, presenting the award, remarked: “Performing the Goldberg Variations on the harpsichord is a monumental achievement. Few pianists can master this work, and even fewer on the harpsichord — this is a first in Chinese music history.”
Critical Reception
“The clarity and independence of his touch are always balanced with a rich palette of colors. His interpretation reveals profound insight into Bach’s contrapuntal designs while making full use of the expressive possibilities of the modern piano. Even when minor slips occurred, the artistic system — of sound conception, variation, and technical command — remained impeccable, offering listeners an experience of enduring inspiration.”
Yuan Sheng’s interpretation of the Goldberg Variations has been described by critic Zhang Keju as “an inspirational performance”