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Baroque · variations

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 28

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 28 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 - 28.

History

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 28 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 inner oscillation colours the opening

    Written-out neighbouring-note motion in the inner upper strand accompanies detached top notes and wide lower attacks. Listen inside the texture for that quick oscillation.

  2. The oscillation moves below

    The main lower strand takes the neighbouring-note pattern while shorter upper gestures continue. Follow the moving sound as it changes register and role.

  3. Broken figures renew the second half

    Upper running broken figures meet wide lower attacks before the oscillation returns. Hear the change of texture before listening for the smaller neighbouring-note pattern again.

  4. Small oscillations settle into held sounds

    Short oscillations and broken figures in both registers lead toward the last held B and G response. Keep the moving detail light enough to hear the closing arrival.

How to practise it

Hear the short isolated upper attacks against the lower part's moving intervals.

  1. Clap the upper rhythm including all rests, then play the three pitches without filling the gaps.
  2. Practise the G/B and A/F-sharp pairs slowly; add the upper attacks only when the lower eighths are even.

How hard is it

Level 9, estimated

Trill-rich textures and moving lines require endurance, relaxed repetition and precise 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 - 28” by J. S. Bach (1685 to 1750). Mutopia edition maintained by Hajo Dezelski. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=1420. 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

Hear the short isolated upper attacks against the lower part's moving intervals.

Practise it in PlayPiano