Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations—a haunting aria and 30 short variations—were once viewed as staid harpsichord curiosities. But ever since the Canadian pianist Glenn Gould played them all the way to international stardom, the composition has become a proving ground for alpha-musicians intent on conquering the classical world. On his latest album, the 29-year-old jazz pianist Dan Tepfer not only had the audacity to take on the Goldbergs, he improvised on them. The results, which he'll play live tonight at the Rubin Museum, are elegant, thoughtful, and thrilling.
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