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Bach-Rheinberger The Goldberg Variations 1883 arranged for two pianos

12/1/2023, 31 Tracks, 1:10:50

Featuring

  • Matteo Liva
  • Elena Valentini
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

Did you know?

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Composer Biography

Josef Rheinberger, the arranger of these Goldberg Variations, was a composer and organist born in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, who lived, taught, and composed in Munich, drawing inspiration from Mozart and Bach.

Source: Booklet

Composition History

The Goldberg Variations were first published at the end of 1741 as part four of Bach's Klavierübung, titled Aria mit verschiedenen Veraenderungen.

Source: Booklet

Compositional Technique

Bach's Goldberg Variations have a symmetrical form, beginning and ending with the Aria, with 30 variations in between, totaling 32 elements.

Source: Booklet

Interpretation

The Valentini-Liva duo chose Rheinberger's transcription for its closeness to Bach's original, accepting its romantic approach and original melodic ideas.

Source: Booklet

Recording & Production

This album presents the world premiere recording of Josef Gabriel Rheinberger's 1883 arrangement of Bach's Goldberg Variations for two pianos.

Source: Booklet

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach's Goldberg Variations, along with Beethoven's Diabelli Variations, are considered luminous examples of how composers transformed the traditional 'theme and variations' genre.

Source: Booklet

Historical Context

After a long period of neglect, Bach's music experienced a powerful revival in 19th-century Germany, led by figures like Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Robert Schumann.

Source: Booklet

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