Jean Rondeau: Goldberg Variations
Fresh perspectives on one of the most profound works in the keyboard repertoire, from the pioneering period performer on the organ of the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Harpsichordist and organist Jean Rondeau is known for the insights and spontaneity he brings to Baroque music, while remaining deeply rooted in its traditions.
A regular collaborator across musical genres, he approaches Bach with imagination, lyricism, wit and insight.
The Goldberg Variations have long been central to Rondeau’s musical life. In this performance on the Queen Elizabeth Hall organ, Rondeau offers a distinctive view of a work more often heard on harpsichord or piano.
Built around an exquisitely simple aria and unfolding across 30 variations, the piece moves through shifting characters and textures while never straying far from its underlying theme. Dance rhythms sit alongside intricate canons. Moments of quiet introspection open up to brilliance and exuberance.
First published in 1741 as music ‘for music lovers, to refresh their spirits’, the Goldberg Variations continues to invite reflection and renewal in the 21st century.
Through the resonant sounds of the organ, Bach’s epic design is transformed in new colours, revealing both intimacy and architectural breadth.
Performers
Jean Rondeau organ
Repertoire
Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV.998
Need to know
Reviews
‘The sincerity and modesty of his delivery are the keys to its power’Washington Post
‘Brilliant and surprising… Quite extraordinary’Gramophone
For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.