Bach: Goldberg Variations

“The Goldberg Variations,” BWV 988, is a musical composition for harpsichord by Johann Sebastian Bach, consisting of an aria and a set of 30 variations. First published in 1741, the work is one of the most important examples of the variation form. It is named after Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, who may also have been the first performer of the work.

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. Once the listener has heard the tune transformed in almost uncountable ways, the simplicity of the original music is nothing short of arresting.

Free (a Shinkoskey Noon Concert)