Pianist Sarah Hagen’s fourth album, a a luxurious double-CD recording of Johann Sebastian Bach’s formidable Goldberg Variations, is emblematic of keyboard virtuosity, rich expression, and hardcore classical interpretation.

"Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen’s Goldberg Variations are dramatically different. Naysayers and refusniks beware: her approach combines unfettered joy, wide awake with wonder, requisite pedagogy and the ability to make the instrument bend to her will. The epic scope of the work is stated right out of the gate, with an extensive exploration of the Aria that opens the way to the variable tempi, harmonic adventure with unlimited changes in registration and emotion. Hagen’s performance combines vivid precision of touch with perfect articulation of line, making her Goldberg Variations something to absolutely die for." - Whole Note Magazine

“I was reminded of the breadth of his [Gould’s] opening Aria in Hagen’s first track [of Goldberg Variations]. She is able to sustain that sense of breadth throughout her version. The playing is consistent, with feeling and a sense of purpose throughout, including a touching Track 26. … this is a heartfelt performance worth adding to the collection.” - La Scena Musicale

HIGH RES Digital Album available for purchase here: 

WINNER: 2022 Music PEI Instrumental Recording of the Year & Album Art of the Year

Nominated for:

2023 east Coast Music Award for INstrumental Recording of the Year

2022 ECMA for Classical Recording of the Year

FOUR 2022 Music PEI Awards:

*Solo Recording of the Year

*Instrumental Recording of the Year

*Album Art of the Year

*Entertainer of the Year

Engineering: Adam Gallant

Mastering: John D. S. Adams

Design: Ben Didier

Production: Sarah Hagen

Additional production: Adam Gallant

Artwork: Sarah Hagen

Artwork photography: Bradly Joseph

Piano tuning: Tyrrell Pearson

Released: November 4, 2021

Many thanks to Music PEI for funding and support of this album.

Many thanks also to PEI Culture Action Plan and Innovation PEI for the PEI Arts Grant which supported the production of the artwork.