Was Goldberg Variations written for harpsichord?
The Goldberg variations were first published in 1741, when Bach about 56 years old (in the last decade of his life). They’re named as such because a man named Johann Goldberg, a super skilled keyboardist, was likely the first one to perform it. The Goldberg Variations were originally written for harpsichord.
Did Bach play Goldberg variation instruments?
harpsichord
What are the Goldberg Variations? Around 1741, Bach published a long and complicated keyboard piece, calling it Aria with diverse variations for a harpsichord with two manuals (keyboards).
What key is the Goldberg Variations in?
G major
Goldberg Variations/Keys
How many Goldberg Variations are there?
30 variations
What are the Goldberg Variations? The work itself consists of 30 variations, starting with a single ‘Aria’. After transforming the music over the course of an hour, using different time signatures, textures, and harmonies, the beautiful first aria returns, with a completely different feel from the first hearing.
When did Bach write the Goldberg Variations for harpsichord?
The Goldberg Variations, BWV. 988, are a set of 30 variations for harpsichord by Johann Sebastian Bach. First published in 1741 as the fourth in a series Bach called Clavier-Übung, “keyboard practice”, the work is considered to be one of the most important examples of variation form.
Which is the best variation of the Goldberg Variations?
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 – 12 – Variatio 11 a 2 Clav. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 – 14 – Variatio 13 a 2 Clav. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 – 15 – Variatio 14 a 2 Clav. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 – 16 – Variatio 15 a 1 Clav. Canone alla Quinta Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 – 17 – Variatio 16 a 1 Clav. Ouverture
What kind of harpsichord does Bob van Asperen play?
When the ornaments do come, they sound over-thought and awkward. His other Bach recordings exemplify much more persuasive attempts. Things get more engaging (interesting?) with Bob van Asperen, who gives a performance of a surviving copy of a Mietke Harpsichord, a builder Bach himself apparently ordered instruments from.
Who was the first organist to play the harpsichord?
Carl Richter, another great Bach prophet of the 50’s, sounds more like an organist playing the harpsichord (which he was), and his recording is for dedicated fans only of this mighty Bach figure. Another great organist who took on the harpsichord was Helmut Walcha, and the results are very similar, for better and for worse.
