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Baroque · variations

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 5

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 5 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 - 5.

History

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 5 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 notes against wide attacks

    The upper sixteenths flow above detached lower gestures moving between registers. Hear the continuous line and the separated replies as contrasting layers.

  2. The lower part begins to run

    The lower line becomes mobile while the upper part answers with detached attacks and wider intervals. Follow the running sound as it changes position.

  3. A lower-led start to the second half

    Lower sixteenths support decorated upper replies at the new entry. Listen for the reversal of the opening roles across the wide registers.

  4. The two strands converge

    Linked upper and lower figures settle on the fermata-marked closing notes. Hear their movement come together without rushing the arrival.

How to practise it

Rising line with small local returns; wide low-register alternation under the line.

  1. Sing the overall rise, then add its small return without slowing the forward motion.
  2. Rehearse the wide register alternation alone, then keep it controlled and quiet under the quicker contour.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

Fast figuration and crossing gestures demand secure coordination; piano execution differs from two-manual separation.

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 - 5” by J. S. Bach (1685 to 1750). Mutopia edition maintained by Hajo Dezelski. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=1406. 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

Rising line with small local returns; wide low-register alternation under the line.

Practise it in PlayPiano