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Baroque · variations

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 14

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 9, 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 14 is a variations by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 9, an estimate.

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Also known as Goldberg Variations - 14.

History

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 14 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. Wide gestures against continuous motion

    Detached upper gestures move between registers while the lower part runs continuously. Hear their contrasting lengths and directions.

  2. Quick replies leave audible gaps

    Short upper shapes give way to rest-separated bursts exchanged between the strands. Let the gaps remain part of the rhythm.

  3. The parts reverse their roles

    The second half puts running broken figures above wide detached lower attacks. Follow the change in roles instead of always assigning motion to one part.

  4. Linked replies lead to short closing sounds

    Rapid exchanges and a closing run arrive at brief G gestures and rests. Hear the ending as connected motion followed by a clear release.

How to practise it

Prepare the soprano's sudden register change while the lower sixteenths keep flowing.

  1. Locate both G positions before playing; use the rest to move calmly, then hold the upper destination for its full value.
  2. Practise the three four-note cells separately, then connect them without making the return notes louder.

How hard is it

Level 9, estimated

Brilliant crossing and ornamental gestures require agile register changes and reliable coordination.

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 - 14” by J. S. Bach (1685 to 1750). Mutopia edition maintained by Hajo Dezelski. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=1412. 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

Prepare the soprano's sudden register change while the lower sixteenths keep flowing.

Practise it in PlayPiano