These program notes are meant to give people new to this piece a "way in" to Bach's Goldberg Variations. The notes offer some food for thought, but the music can also stir up more personal emotions and memories. The Goldberg Variations reflect life itself, and hopefully you can see your own life in the music. I will be playing the second half, variations 16-30. Most variations are roughly a minute long.
This is the theme from which all the variations will unfurl. How does it feel to you?
A majestic opening, followed by an energetic flurry of activity. What could this announce?
Good-natured and a bit quirky, this conversation between the two hands is
Now a stern base line combines with two higher voices talking over each other. They are
Now the music (and we) can relax. Paired best with a glass of
Bach writes hand crossings galore in this display of virtuosity and one-upmanship. These are
This music is filled with tragic lamentation. Feel Bach's loss, or think of your own.
Spring emerges and
The hands chase each other like
An arrival point: if you listen closely, every theme is imitated a few bars later. This dance is in the
The emotional centerpiece of the half, this darkly beautiful variation is sometimes called the Black Pearl. Reminiscent of Bach's "Aus Liebe", I think this variation asks, "What would you do for love?" What have others done for you?
Energy builds up in each hand as they cross over each other and fly toward the heavens, ultimately coming together at the final climax.
The two hands imitate each other exactly, in this
Finale part I: A babbling brook gathers steam through the 28th variation until it pours into the ocean in the triumphant 29th variation.
Finale part II: Four voices come together singing folk songs as they finally arrive home after a long journey.
At last, as we hear the opening theme return, we reflect on our journey together.
The first piece on the program is "Bethena" by Scott Joplin.
I'm Zach Weiner. To keep in touch, join my mailing list here.