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Baroque · variations

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 9

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 7, 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 9 is a variations by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

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  • variations
  • Baroque
  • gentle

Also known as Goldberg Variations - 9.

History

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 9 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. A clear entry, then a delayed answer

    The first upper cells enter over long bass support before the other upper voice responds. Listen for the delay as part of the dialogue.

  2. Held sounds continue through replies

    Long upper notes overlap connected answers while the bass develops its own motion. Keep the sustained strand audible as the other lines change.

  3. The entry returns at a new level

    The second half changes the opening pitch level but preserves the delayed answer. Hear the familiar relationship between the entries.

  4. A layered arrival on G

    Upper and inner held responses meet the low closing G gesture. Listen for the distinct layers gathering into the cadence.

How to practise it

Equal eighths into tied quarter; later second-line entrance.

  1. Keep the equal-note pulse clear, then allow the tied arrival its full duration.
  2. Count the silent span and practise its entered contour independently.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

The canon at the third needs independent phrase direction and balance among overlapping lines.

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 - 9” by J. S. Bach (1685 to 1750). Mutopia edition maintained by Hajo Dezelski. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=1386. 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

Equal eighths into tied quarter; later second-line entrance.

Practise it in PlayPiano