J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (Arr. Trio Zimmermann for Violin, Viola & Cello)

Bach’s Goldberg Variations, originally for harpsichord, are newly arranged for string trio. Trio Zimmermann – violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann, violist Antoine Tamestit and cellist Christian Poltéra – prepared this version of the masterpiece together, and record it here for the first time on their trio of Stradivarius instruments.

Featuring

Frank Peter Zimmermann
Antoine Tamestit
Christian Poltéra
Trio Zimmermann
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Compositional Technique

The Goldberg Variations are based on a simple song, likely invented by Bach himself, and evolve into a compendium of compositional imagination, using the bass motifs and a stepwise descending fourth as their starting point.

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.

Cultural Impact

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

Composition History

Bach received a golden goblet containing a hundred Louis d'or for the Goldberg Variations, which was the most princely fee he ever received.

Critical Reception

E. T. A. Hoffmann, a German Romantic author, humorously described a disastrous performance of the Goldberg Variations in his fictional work, where most of the audience left out of boredom.

Composition History

Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations were commissioned by Reichsgraf Hermann Carl von Keyserlingk, the Russian ambassador in Dresden, to help him with his sleepless nights.