Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (Arr. for Accordion)

Featuring

Andreas Borregaard
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Instruments

The accordion is related to Bach's organ, as both instruments function through air, but the accordion offers a lightness and virtuosity reminiscent of the harpsichord.

Composition History

The Goldberg Variations were commissioned by Count Keyserlingk, the Russian ambassador in Dresden, to cheer him up during sleepless nights.

Performer Biography

Andreas Borregaard, the accordionist on this recording, is known for exploring how the accordion can add new colors to 17th and 18th-century keyboard repertoire.

Compositional Technique

The Goldberg Variations are based on the bass motifs and a stepwise descending fourth of the opening Aria, rather than its upper voice.

Interpretation

The accordion, with its two manuals and ability to vary registrations, can emphasize the polyphony of the Goldberg Variations similarly to a two-manual harpsichord.

Compositional Technique

Every third variation in the Goldberg Variations is a canon, with the imitating voice entering on intervals ranging from unison to a ninth.

Composer Biography

The Goldberg Variations were among the few works by Bach published during his lifetime, proclaiming his greatness when much of his other music was unknown.