The Joannes Daniel Dulcken Harpsichord: J.S. Bach – Goldberg Variations
5/16/2025, 32 Tracks, 1:40:40
Featuring
Stefan Donner
Johann Sebastian Bach
Did you know?
1/7
Recording & Production
This CD is a co-production of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna and the Gramola label, showcasing historical instruments from the museum's collection as 'sound records' of their era.
Instruments
The harpsichord's case is decorated with gilt rocailles and garlands of flowers on a red background, and its lid reveals a detailed painting of courtly life.
Composer's Artistic Vision
In the 'Goldberg' Variations, Bach used consonant harmonic ratios to reflect the 'measures of the Creation' and reaffirmed his Lutheran faith through the symbolism of 'oneness'.
Compositional Technique
Bach's 'Goldberg' Variations were conceived for a two-manual harpsichord, requiring different tone colors achieved through registers, as dynamic gradations are not possible by touch alone on this instrument.
Instruments
Joannes Daniel Dulcken, the harpsichord maker, was born in Wingeshausen in 1706 and established a successful workshop in Antwerp from 1738.
Instruments
The harpsichord used in this recording, built by Joannes Daniel Dulcken in 1745, is not only acoustically distinctive but also a visually magnificent exhibition piece.
Composition History
The 'Goldberg' Variations were commissioned by Count Hermann Carl von Keyserlingk, the Russian ambassador to Saxony, for his house musician Johann Gottlieb Theophil Goldberg to play as a nocturne.
