What do a nanoscientist, an architect, a Brazilian guitarist, and Silence of the Lambs all have in common? One inspiring piece of music: J.S. Bach's "Goldberg Variations". Podcast coming soon!

We begin where the piece begins: the "aria" on which the rest of the piece is based. This episode introduces the project, including why I embarked on this project, and how the piece inspires people today. Conversation with architect and nanoscientist who listen to the piece every day. Other guests include Simone Dinnerstein, Angela Hewitt, Jeff Scott, and Dan Tepfer.

Musical sound recording credits available at https://www.thirtybach.com/podcast-episodes/its-perhaps-the-music-that-travels-best

Variations 1, 2, 3. Our first stop is in Vienna, Austria with Professor Christopher Hinterhuber, a celebrated pianist for whom the Goldberg Variations has been a consistent source of inspiration. Hinterhuber connects variations 1, 2, and 3 to musical traditions such as the polonaise, and shows how Bach's music exists in relation to his predecessors.

‍Interview and performance recorded October 25, 2017 in Vienna, Austria.

Episode Photo credit: Nancy Horowitz.

Additional musical credits, used with permission:

Chopin, Polonaise-Fantasie, op. 61, Hugo Kitano performing, published December 26, 2018; Bach, Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540, James Kibbie performing. Sponsored by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance with generous support from Dr. Barbara Furin Sloat in honor of J. Barry Sloat. Additional support provided by the Office of Vice-President for Research, the University of Michigan; "Premier bransle de Bourgongne," Zdeněk Seidl performing, published November 21, 2019.