Goldberg Variations: BWV 988

by Johann Sebastian Bach

According to Bach's first biography, the "Goldbergs" were written for one of the composer's most talented pupils, who used them to entertain and soothe his insomniac master during bouts of sleeplessness. Subsequent historians have had their doubts about the story's authenticity, but the composer certainly intended his work as a diversion for listeners. Upon its 1742 publication, Bach entitled it "Keyboard Practice, consisting of an Aria with Diverse Variations, for the Harpsichord with 2 Manuals. Composed for Music Lovers, to Refresh their Spirits."
As Glenn Gould remarked, the title offers a very down-to-earth description of a monumental work. Long regarded as the Baroque era's most important set of variations, the Goldbergs were relatively unknown when he chose them for his recording debut in the 1950s. The sensation created by his still-popular recordings revivified the piece in concert performances, in which spectators delight in its virtuosic hand-crossings. This affordable edition of the widely performed and appreciated work is essential for all serious pianists and music lovers.

Genres: Music, Scores, Reference

64 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1938

About the author

German composer Johann Sebastian Bach of the late baroque period wrote more than two hundred cantatas, the Saint Matthew Passion , the Mass in B Minor , orchestras, such as the six Brandenburg Concertos , chamber ensembles, and numerous works for organ, harpsichord, other solo instruments and fathered noted Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach, and Johann Christian Bach.

Spanish guitarist Andrés Segovia arranged his works.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_...

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most advanced Bach work according to pianolibrary.org. Rich complex rhythms and ornaments make this a challenge. I plan to learn this after I have gotten through all the works in the Well-tempered Clavier. So maybe by the time I'm 45? 😄