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.

Aria

This is the theme from which all the variations will unfurl. How does it feel to you?

Variation 16: Overture

A majestic opening, followed by an energetic flurry of activity. What could this announce?

Variation 17

Good-natured and a bit quirky, this conversation between the two hands is

Variation 18

Now a stern base line combines with two higher voices talking over each other. They are

Variation 19

Now the music (and we) can relax. Paired best with a glass of

Variation 20

Bach writes hand crossings galore in this display of virtuosity and one-upmanship. These are

Variation 21

This music is filled with tragic lamentation. Feel Bach's loss, or think of your own.

Variation 22

Spring emerges and

Variation 23

The hands chase each other like

Variation 24

An arrival point: if you listen closely, every theme is imitated a few bars later. This dance is in the

Variation 25

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?

Variation 26

Energy builds up in each hand as they cross over each other and fly toward the heavens, ultimately coming together at the final climax.

Variation 27

The two hands imitate each other exactly, in this

Variation 28 + Variation 29

Finale part I: A babbling brook gathers steam through the 28th variation until it pours into the ocean in the triumphant 29th variation.

Variation 30

Finale part II: Four voices come together singing folk songs as they finally arrive home after a long journey.

Aria

At last, as we hear the opening theme return, we reflect on our journey together.

Thank you for listening!

This was the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach. In the second half, we'll hear Frederic Rzewski's Variations on "The People United Will Never Be Defeated!". To keep in touch, join my mailing list here.

Welcome to this Groupmuse!

The first piece on the program is "Bethena" by Scott Joplin.

I'm Zach Weiner. To keep in touch, join my mailing list here.