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Baroque · variations

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 12

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 7, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

One part of a keyboard project that culminated in 1741. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 12 is a variations by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

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  • variations
  • Baroque
  • gentle

Also known as Goldberg Variations - 12.

History

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 12 belongs to the Goldberg Variations. Bach-Archiv Leipzig places the cycle at the culmination of Bach's Clavier-Übung print project in 1741. The thirty variations explore a remarkable range of keyboard forms and contrapuntal designs: this selection is one part of that larger journey.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. An upper entry above repeated support

    A rest-led upper figure begins above repeated low notes, with the inner strand waiting before its answer. Listen for those staggered entries.

  2. Held and running layers overlap

    Upper and inner held sounds alternate with running replies over the steadier bass. Keep the separate layers clear rather than blending them into one pulse.

  3. The lower layers lead the new half

    The upper strand rests while a new inner entry begins above repeated low D sounds. Listen below for the start of the new phrase.

  4. The lower response finishes the thought

    Short upper G sounds and rests leave room for the inner and lower closing response. Hear that continuation before the final fermata.

How to practise it

Upper rest and short contour; repeated slower bass.

  1. Rehearse the small groups while retaining the spaces around them.
  2. Keep the repeated bass pulse even without giving every repetition a new heavy accent.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

The canon at the fourth asks for independent articulation while keeping the supporting foundation audible.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Johann Sebastian Bach, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
Themes transformed
Licence
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
Source
mutopiaproject.org
Credit
“Goldberg Variations - 12” by J. S. Bach (1685 to 1750). Mutopia edition maintained by Hajo Dezelski. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=1388. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/. Changes to the supplied MIDI: none; disclose any later conversion or edit separately.

More by Johann Sebastian Bach

  1. Prelude in C major, BWV 846Level 4, estimatedOpen to everyone
  2. Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971: III. PrestoLevel 9, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Upper rest and short contour; repeated slower bass.

Practise it in PlayPiano