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Baroque · variations

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 2

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 6, 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 2 is a variations by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 6, an estimate.

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  • variations
  • Baroque
  • gentle

Also known as Goldberg Variations - 2.

History

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 2 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. The inner voice begins alone

    The alto opens while the soprano rests, above a steady eighth-note bass. Listen for this inner beginning before expecting a melody at the top.

  2. One upper voice answers another

    The soprano takes an answering gesture as the alto changes between motion, held notes and rests. Hear the exchange as two connected strands.

  3. A layered new entry

    The second section overlaps a held soprano entry with a moving alto response. Keep both sounds distinct above the changed lower pattern.

  4. Different endings have different jobs

    The second repeated region has distinct bass endings for the repeat and the final close. Listen for how each ending points toward what follows.

How to practise it

Silent soprano then decoration; earlier alto movement.

  1. Count the silent beginning and prepare the later upper arrival without disturbing another voice.
  2. Keep the alto phrase audible when the later soprano joins it.

How hard is it

Level 6, estimated

Several conversational lines need distinct phrasing without losing the underlying dance pulse.

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 - 2” by J. S. Bach (1685 to 1750). Mutopia edition maintained by JD Erickson. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=981. 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

Silent soprano then decoration; earlier alto movement.

Practise it in PlayPiano