Which is the best recording of the Goldberg Variations?
This work is a staple in classical keyboard repertoire. Here we list the best recordings of JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations from the last 20 years….Stream on Apple Music.
| 1 | Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria | 4:06 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variatio 1. a 1 Clav | 1:58 |
Which Goldberg variation is the hardest?
The hand crossing ones are the most difficult, although there are certain editions which negate the hand crossings and make for easier playing (even Andras Schiff “cheats” in Variation 23!)
How long does it take to learn the Goldberg Variations?
According to Guerrero, tapping taught the pianist an economy of muscle movement that would enable precision at high speeds. Gould “tapped” each Goldberg variation before recording it, which took about 32 hours.
Why are the Goldberg Variations important?
Long regarded as the most serious and ambitious work for keyboard, the Goldberg Variations display J S Bach’s exceptional knowledge of the many different styles of music of his day, and his own exquisite performing techniques.
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.
Who wrote Goldberg Variations?
Johann Sebastian Bach
Goldberg Variations/Composers
Which Goldberg variation is easiest?
One third of the Goldberg are canons, another third are virtuoso, mostly two-part, pieces with lots of hand-crossing. The other third are “character” pieces (dances, ariettas, etc.) The third group tends to be the easiest and the second the hardest.
Why are the Goldberg Variations so called?
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.
Why did Bach write Goldberg Variations?
Legend has it that Bach wrote the music to soothe the sleepless nights of one Count Kaiserling, who asked his private harpsichordist, Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, to perform the variations. “It may be related to the history of the work during Bach’s time.
How many Bach Goldberg Variations are there?
How difficult is Goldberg Variations?
In print, the Goldbergs (Goldberg Variations) have a quasi-legendary status, a hallmark of technical difficulty. I was perusing the score and it doesn’t look terribly intricate for what’s possibly a majority of the variations – certainly less than Bach’s 3- or 4-part works.
What key is the Goldberg Variations in?
G major
Goldberg Variations/Keys