The question of tempi and, above all, the tempo relations in the Goldberg Variations by Johann Sebastian Bach has puzzled generations of musicians.

Here is an idiosyncratic and surprising interpretation, because it impressively does justice to the additional notes in the Bach autograph: In his recording, Albert-Jan Roelofs creates a multi-layered, captivating tempo concept that ensures an extraordinary listening experience of the Goldberg Variations.

“It becomes clear”, says Roelofs, “that a uniform pulse is recognizable in the various variations and time signatures, which is based on the quarter-note of the ‘Aria’ and can thus be regarded as the starting point for the choice of tempo. The present recording draws precisely on this idea.”

Albert-Jan Roelofs studied harpsichord and organ in Amsterdam and Maastricht, among others with Gustav Leonhardt, Piet Kee and Ton Koopman. His musicological knowledge has made him a proven specialist in keyboard music of the 17th and 18th centuries. Various CD recordings are considered exemplary, including J.S. Bach’s The Art of Fugue (2006).

Albert-Jan Roelofs is, next to an intensive international concert schedule, a regular guest at early music festivals in Europe, Azerbaijan, Australia, China, Brazil, New Zealand and the USA.