Goldberg Variations

Humbie Kirk, Humbie

Sat 16 Sept 3pm

John Butt

Duration approx. 80 mins

JS Bach Goldberg Variations

John Butt Harpsichord

Half price concession for children and students in full time education

Photo credit: David Barbour

There’s a nice story that Bach’s 30 variations on a charming little ‘aria’ were composed to soothe the insomnia of the former Russian ambassador to the court of Saxony – but it almost certainly isn’t true!

No-one, surely, would fall asleep during the unfolding brilliance of the Goldberg Variations, now regarded as one of the pinnacles of the keyboard repertoire and the supreme technical challenge for any harpsichordist. Acknowledged as one of the world’s leading Bach performers and scholars, John Butt is the perfect choice to perform this masterwork in Humbie’s lovely little church.

'I can't ever remember hearing a finer Bach recital than this one. John Butt's playing combines virtuoso flair with tasteful ornamentation and a feeling for the music's atmosphere.'

Classics Today

Humbie Kirk, Humbie

Secluded in a little valley by Humbie Burn just to the north of the hamlet of Humbie, this charming little church was built on the site of a pre-Reformation church in 1800.

The T-plan Gothic building designed by James Tod was altered and expanded by David Bryce in 1866. The chancel was added in 1932.

The east window, depicting scenes from the life of King David, was designed by Douglas Strachan (who designed the glass in the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle) in 1950.

The organ, by the Edinburgh builder David Hamilton (c 1840), came originally from the Norwegian Seamen’s Chapel in Leith.

Address

Humbie Kirk, Humbie
EH36 5PA

Getting there by bus

eastcoastbuses.co.uk/new-routes

Getting there by train

No train service

Getting there by car

The nearest main road is the A68 Edinburgh – Borders route. Heading south from Edinburgh direction, turn left at the B6457 at Fala Village and join the B6368 which goes through Humbie Village. The church is signposted. Heading north towards Edinburgh, turn right on the B6368.

Accessibility

Parking:

Free car park by the church. Overflow parking back in the village. Leave time to walk to church

Terrain:

Relatively steep tarmac single track road hill from village. Rough terrain in car park. Paved path to church

Induction Loop:
Yes

Toilets:
No toilets in the church. It is a short walk to the adjacent hall where male and female toilets are available.

Wheelchair Access:

Wheelchair access

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EH41 4DA

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Goldberg Variations

Humbie Kirk, Humbie

Humbie Kirk, Humbie

Address

Getting there by bus

Getting there by train

Getting there by car

Accessibility

Visit East Lothian

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Event information

Get in touch

Contact Address