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The short answer
One part of a keyboard project that culminated in 1741. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 20 is a variations by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.
- variations
- Baroque
- playful
Also known as Goldberg Variations - 20.
History
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 20 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
Interrupted attacks meet a rising answer
Rest-separated descending upper attacks alternate with lower rising broken figures. Listen for the upward answer inside the interrupted texture.
Triplet motion moves between the parts
Upper running triplet cells contrast with wide lower attacks, then the lower part takes the moving pattern. Follow the exchanged roles.
A related descent starts the new half
The second half renews interrupted upper attacks over changed lower figures. Hear the familiar texture before the new triplet entries overlap.
Triplet replies lead to a short close
Broken triplet responses and descending low figures lead toward brief G sounds and rests. Hear the connected direction before the release.
How to practise it
Opposing register contours with offset starts; short returns lead into longer continuation.
- Sing each contour separately, then practise their alternating entries while hearing the contrary directions.
- Count the short turn evenly, then allow the rising continuation its doubled span rather than carrying the faster spacing onward.
How hard is it
Quick alternating and interlocking figures require secure coordination and economical register changes.
About this piece
- Collection
- Themes transformed
- Licence
- Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
- Credit
- “Goldberg Variations - 20” by J. S. Bach (1685 to 1750). Mutopia edition maintained by Hajo Dezelski. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=1416. 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
- Prelude in C major, BWV 846Level 4, estimatedOpen to everyone
- Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971: III. PrestoLevel 9, estimatedWith Maestro
