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Goldberg Variations for Harpsichord
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Goldberg Variations for Harpsichord

work by Bach
Also known as: “Goldberg Variations”
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The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, is a monumental work by Johann Sebastian Bach, composed for the harpsichord. It consists of an aria and 30 variations, showcasing Bach's mastery of musical variation techniques. This composition is considered a significant achievement in figural-contrapuntal variation.12

The work was commissioned by Hermann Karl, Reichsgraf von Keyserlingk, and published as part four of Bach's Clavier-Übung in 1741. The Goldberg Variations are renowned for their complexity, beauty, and the wide range of meters and tempos explored throughout the variations.32

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. harpsichord
  2. musical variation
  3. Diabelli Variations, Op. 120
  4. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56
  5. Johann Sebastian Bach - Instrumental works

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