The Gould-berg Variations project

A multidisciplinary Czech-Canadian project under the working title The Gould-berg

Variations presents an original multisensory performance that explores intersections of

sonic, visual, and kinetic elements in response to the music of J. S. Bach. The project is

inspired by Canadian pianist Glenn Gould (1932–1982), who revolutionized the

interpretation of the famous Goldberg Variations (1741).

Eliška Benešová (dance), Radka Hanáková (piano), and Art Babayants (lighting design

and direction) aim to challenge the traditional perception and performance of Bach's

music by incorporating dance and theatrical layers. These elements will interact with a

live piano performance of the Goldberg Variations in a playful and often humorous

manner, rather than the music merely serving as an accompaniment.

The project will be developed throughout 2026, with its premiere in Prague before a live

audience at the Theatre Inspirace. The project will also include work-in-progress

showings and discussions with students from art schools and the general public. Later,

the project will be presented internationally.

An international team of artists that includes Eliška Benešová (dance), Radka Hanáková (piano), and Art Babayants (lighting design and direction) aims to challenge the traditional perception and performance of Bach's music by incorporating dance and theatrical layers. These elements will interact with a live piano performance of the Goldberg Variations in a playful and often humorous manner, rather than the music merely serving as an accompaniment.

 

The project will be developed throughout 2026, with its premiere in Prague before a live audience at the Theatre Inspirace. The project will also include work-in-progress showings and discussions with students from art schools and the general public. Later, the project will be presented internationally.