Klavierabend Víkingur Ólafsson

Performers:

Víkingur Ólafsson, piano

The Icelandic star pianist with works by Bach, Beethoven and Schubert
»Brilliant, splendid, sublime« - this is how Hector Berlioz characterised the key of E major in his study of instrumentation. Víkingur Ólafsson, known for his cleverly conceived programmes, places works in this key at the centre of his recital together with those in the key of E minor. Ludwig van Beethoven's late Sonata op. 109 from 1820 forms the glittering finale.

Radiant E major
Johann Sebastian Bach's Prelude from the first volume of the »Well-Tempered Clavier«, written around a hundred years earlier, kicks off the programme. Víkingur Ólafsson has already demonstrated his mastery of Bach's works in his interpretation of the »Goldberg Variations« at the Vienna Konzerthaus in 2023. Bach's works are the be-all and end-all for him, he said in an interview. The New York Times even described him as the Icelandic Glenn Gould.

Lamenting E minor
Three works in E minor, a key associated with melancholy and tender lamentation, follow: Beethoven's Sonata op. 90, the first after a five-year break from piano sonatas, and a demanding work by Bach, the Partita No. 6. Finally, Franz Schubert's incomplete Sonata in E minor D 566 from 1817 is heard. It is clear to hear that the composer owes a great deal to the works of both Bach and Beethoven.

program

Johann Sebastian Bach
Präludium 9 E-Dur BWV 854 (Das wohltemperierte Klavier, Band I) (1722)
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sonate e-moll op. 90 (1814)
Johann Sebastian Bach
Partita Nr. 6 e-moll BWV 830 (1726–1731)
Franz Schubert
Sonate e-moll D 566 (1817)
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sonate E-Dur op. 109 (1820)

Place

Wiener Konzerthaus – A Temple of Music and Culture

The Wiener Konzerthaus is one of Europe's most prestigious concert venues and a cornerstone of Vienna’s vibrant musical scene. Since its opening in 1913, it has stood for musical excellence, stylistic diversity, and artistic innovation. With four magnificent halls – the Great Hall, Mozart Hall, Schubert Hall, and Berio Hall – the Konzerthaus offers exceptional acoustics and accommodates up to 1,865 guests.

From classical music and opera to jazz, world music, and contemporary compositions, the Wiener Konzerthaus is renowned for its diverse programming, featuring both international stars and emerging talents. Alongside the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, world-class orchestras, soloists, and ensembles grace its stage, making it an essential destination for music lovers.

Getting There by Public Transport

The Wiener Konzerthaus is centrally located in the 3rd district and easily accessible by public transport:

Subway:

• U4 Stadtpark station – about a 5-minute walk
• U3/U4 Landstraße (Wien Mitte) station – about a 10-minute walk

Tram:

• Lines 2, 71, D (stop Schwarzenbergplatz) – about a 3-minute walk

Bus:

• Line 4A (stop Schwarzenbergplatz)

Train:

• Wien Mitte/Landstraße (connection to CAT, S-Bahn, and subway) – about a 10-minute walk

With its excellent transport connections, the Wiener Konzerthaus is easily reachable for both locals and international visitors.
Wiener Konzerthaus – A World-Class Musical Experience.

As one of Vienna’s most important cultural institutions, the Wiener Konzerthaus seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering unforgettable concerts in one of the world’s most beautiful concert halls.