The Goldberg Variations are based on the bass notes of the aria, which show a similarity to Handel's Chaconna with 62 Variations from 1733.
Composition History
While the story of the commission is well-known, most scholars doubt its truth, citing Goldberg's young age and the lack of dedication to Kaiserling on the title page.
Compositional Technique
Bach organized the Variations into ten sections of three variations, each concluding with a canon, except for the final group which ends with a Quodlibet.
Composition History
The Goldberg Variations were published in 1741 as Clavier Uebung (IV) and are based on an aria penned by Bach's wife, Anna Magdalena Bach, in her Clavierbüchlein.
Composition History
According to Bach's first biographer, Johann Nikolaus Forkel, the Variations were commissioned by Count Kaiserling, the Russian ambassador, to entertain him during sleepless nights.
Composition History
The Goldberg Variations are named after Bach's student Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, who was known for his virtuosity.
Performer Biography
Pieter-Jan Belder, the harpsichordist on this recording, has recorded over 130 albums and contributed to complete editions of Bach's harpsichord works and Scarlatti's harpsichord sonatas.
