How many variations does Bach Goldberg have?

30 variations
The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, is a musical composition for keyboard by Johann Sebastian Bach, consisting of an aria and a set of 30 variations. First published in 1741, it is named after Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, who may also have been the first performer of the work.

What is the history behind Goldberg Variations?

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 is Goldberg Variations so popular?

Consisting of an opening aria and then 30 different variations on it, the Goldberg Variations — named after its first performer Johann Gottlieb Goldberg and published in 1741 — is Bach’s most popular keyboard work, partly because it isn’t laden with the academic formality of the Well-Tempered Clavier, and covers so …

How long does Goldberg variation take?

eighty minutes
The piece is eighty minutes long, and mostly in G major. Just think about that for a minute. Then (without a bathroom break) think very similar thoughts for 79 more minutes, winding around the same basic themes, and then you will have some idea of what it’s like to experience—you might even say survive—the Goldbergs.

What level are the Goldberg Variations?

Level 4
Tips for playing Level 4 “Aria” from Goldberg Variations This Level 4 “Aria” is in the original form. It’s not arranged to be easier than the original.

Is there an early recording of the Goldbergs by Leonhardt?

During “A Bach Christmas” on radio 3, an early recording of the Goldbergs by Leonhardt was recommennded. I couldn’t get it, but I did manage to get an even earlier one on Vanguard Classics and have just been listening to it. I would be very interested to hear from other list members who know this recording.

What kind of harpsichord is The Goldbergs on?

[To Kirk McElhearn] The liner notes for Leonhardt’s first recording of the Goldbergs indicates an Ammer harpsichord made in Eisenberg – that’s all. < (…) The harpsichord Goldbergs chosen above all others was Leonhardt’s on Teldec (recorded in 1962), with Hantai, Maggie Cole and one or two others also rated highly.

Do you know Leonhardt’s Vanguard?

It’s a wonder he got as much out of that instrument as he did in 1953. And Leonhardt’s interpretation picked up quite a bit of depth in his two later recordings. (This first recording is a coup for its time, but he got better, and then better again.) Don, if you know only this Vanguard one so far, you’re in for a real treat!

Did David Leonhardt get as much out of his guitar as possible?

It’s a wonder he got as much out of that instrument as he did in 1953. And Leonhardt’s interpretation picked up quite a bit of depth in his two later recordings. (This first recording is a coup for its time, but he got better, and then better again.)