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Baroque · variations

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 17

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 8, 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 17 is a variations by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

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Also known as Goldberg Variations - 17.

History

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 17 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. Running cells and dotted replies

    Upper broken figures and dotted notes overlap ascending lower motion. Hear the rhythmic contrast between the connected cells and their replies.

  2. Registers change as roles alternate

    Wide upper figures and linked lower motion exchange roles, punctuated by held notes and rests. Follow the conversation across the registers.

  3. A descending entry changes the dialogue

    The second half begins with descending upper cells and changed lower dotted responses. Compare their direction with the first opening.

  4. The strands converge after a descent

    Wide figures and short replies return before the closing descent. Hear both strands gather into brief G gestures and rests.

How to practise it

High ascent with a held peak; low motion continuing through that hold.

  1. Sing the ascent and prepare the longer 79 as a settling point, not another hurried short note.
  2. Retain the higher sound and rehearse the three low changes quietly without cutting the hold at each change.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

Continuous agile figuration needs evenness and coordination without flattening its phrase direction.

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 - 17” by J. S. Bach (1685 to 1750). Mutopia edition maintained by Hajo Dezelski. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=1414. 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

High ascent with a held peak; low motion continuing through that hold.

Practise it in PlayPiano