Classical concert pianist Sarah Hagen is recognized internationally for her expressive and imaginative approach in taking interpretive risks.
Proof of that lay in her February 2022 Arden Theatre one-woman comedy show titled Perk up, pianist. Her gentle jab at the stereotypical stuffy world of the classical concert industry attracted a new audience and drew numerous positive comments. However, comedy shows are only one side of her musical career.
In a more serious vein, Hagen returns to the Arden on Sunday, April 7 performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s 18th century Goldberg Variations. Through the variations, Bach was eager to showcase the keyboard. Cherished by many through the centuries, it grew into an emblem of keyboard virtuosity, rich expression and intense classical interpretation.
Hagen fulfilled the demanding requirements in her album’s interpretation. The double CD recording was so successful, it was nominated as Classical Recording of the Year for the 2022 East Coast Music Awards.
“I recorded The Goldberg Variations as part of a pandemic project in 2021,” said Hagen. “As a teenager, one of my teachers instilled a love for Bach’s music and I realized this was relevant music for our times. Sometimes it’s free and wild. At other times it’s filled with darkness, and to heal you have to look into the dark corners of the soul.”
Bach’s composition consists of an aria and a set of 30 variations. The 1956 debut album of Canadian pianist Glenn Gould is probably the best-known and most beloved recording of the piece.
“It’s physically demanding. You must be in great shape. You must have a good piano, and I know the Arden has a good Steinway piano. What’s tricky is that it’s very fast and complicated. But it’s such joyous music.”
The afternoon concert starts at 2:30 p.m. at 5 St. Anne Street. Tickets are $39.25 online at tickets.stalbert.ca or at the Arden box office at 780-459-1542.
