Tjako van Schie - pianist / composer / arranger / accompanist / repetitor / coach

j.s. bach - the goldberg variations BWV 988 - program notes

The 32 parts of the work:

Aria

xVariatio 1
xVariatio 2
xVariatio 3 Canone all'unisuono

xxVariatio 4
xxVariatio 5
xxVariatio 6 Canone alla secunda

xxxVariatio 7  al tempo di giga
xxxVariatio 8
xxxVariatio 9  Canone alla terza

xxxxVariatio 10 fughetta
xxxxVariatio 11
xxxxVariatio 12 Canone alla quarta

xxxxxVariatio 13
xxxxxVariatio 14
xxxxxVariatio 15 Canone alla quinta, andante

xxxxxVariatio 16 ouverture
xxxxxVariatio 17
xxxxxVariatio 18 Canone alla sesta

xxxxVariatio 19
xxxxVariatio 20
xxxxVariatio 21 Canone alla settima

xxxVariatio 22 alla breve
xxxVariatio 23
xxxVariatio 24 Canone all'ottava

xxVariatio 25 adagio
xxVariatio 26
xxVariatio 27 Canone alla nona

xVariatio 28
xVariatio 29
xVariatio 30 Quodlibet

Aria da capo e fine

  • About the Goldberg-Variations

The 'Aria mit verschiedene Veränderungen' dates from 1742, when Bach was assigned by Graf Kayserling the composition of a work that was to provide the Graf with 'Gemuthsergötzung' and diversion during his frequent spells of insomnia. At the Graf's court the brilliant harpsichordist Goldberg was employed, whose duty it was to entertain the Graf with his art. Naturally Bach knew this musician, as well as his fabulous play.

For the composition of this work Bach received the largest fee he was ever to get for any of his works, viz. 100 Louis d'Or in a Golden Cup. Yet it acquired fame primarily through Goldberg, higly esteemed as he was, also by Bach. And it was Goldberg's name that was to remain attached to the Variations.

The Goldberg Variations are unique in Bach's oeuvre. The many profound, even Kabbalistic, allusions to Kayserling as well as to Goldberg are inimitable. The architecture of the variations reminds one of a Gothic cathedral. In symmetry and structure one may speak of a perfect balance.