Program
Johann Sebastian Bach
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: No 14
The fourteenth variation is a toccata meant to showcase the musician’s technical virtuosity. Like the fifth variation, this variation derives much of its character from hand-crossing decorated with trills and other ornamentation that add to what Glenn Gould called the effervescent energy of this piece.
In 1741, Johann Sebastian Bach published a complex, intricate, and mesmerizing keyboard piece that would become known as the Goldberg Variations. Named after one of Bach’s pupils, who is purported to…
Read More >The third variation is the first of the nine canons that form the through-line for the Goldberg Variations. A canone all’unisono (canon in unison), the variation includes features a supported, ground bass built around…
Read More >The fifth variation sees the basic melody of the 32-measure aria reimagined through rapid sixteenth notes and punctuated by frequent, unpredictable hand-crossing from the lower to the higher registers—and back again!—of the keyboard and back!
Read More >