The work was likely commissioned by Hermann Carl Reichsgraf von Keyserlingk, the Russian emissary, not to help him sleep, but as study material for his protégé, Johann Gottlob Theophilus Goldberg.
Compositional Technique
Every third variation in the Goldberg Variations, with the exception of the last one, is a canon, progressing through intervals from unison to a ninth.
Composition History
J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations were originally published under the title "Clavier Ubung / consisting / of an ARIA / with various Variations / for Harpsichord / with 2 Manuals."
Composition History
The popular name "Goldberg Variations" comes from Bach's first biographer, Johann Nikolaus Forkel, who linked its creation to Count Keyserlingk and his protégé, Johann Gottlob Theophilus Goldberg.
Compositional Technique
Variation 30 of the Goldberg Variations is a quodlibet, a form popular in Bach's time that incorporates popular song melodies, such as 'Ich bin so lang' nicht bei dir gewest, rück her' and 'Kraut und Rüben haben mich vertrieben'.
Compositional Technique
The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, has a brilliant architectural plan, consisting of 32 parts: an Aria, 30 variations, and an Aria da capo.
Recording & Production
This recording was made using a Chris Maene Straight Strung Concert Grand piano, known for its transparent sound.
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Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 9; Kinderszenen, Op. 15; Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel in B-Flat Major, Op. 24
