Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2010

Saxophonist Yasuaki Shimizu brings his latest re-imagining of Bach’s works to Triphony Hall in Kinshicho. For his recordings of Bach’s Cello Suites starting in the mid-’90s, Shimizu traveled with his group, the Saxophonettes, to a coal mine in Iwate and an underground garage in Shibuya. The world premiere of the Goldberg Variations, featuring five saxes and four basses, promises to be equally unconventional. “Even as my scores near completion, I realize again that I lack a means of notation to convey certain techniques or nuances,” he says, “which leaves our ensemble free to imagine and create music together. Interesting ideas emerge during rehearsal; wholly unforeseen events occur in concert. That’s the thrill—and that’s the Saxophonettes.”

Yasuaki Shimizu
Saxophonist performs Bach’s Goldberg Variations with the Saki Symphony. Feb 27, 6pm, ¥3,000-¥5,000. Sumida Triphony Hall, Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-1212.