Goldberg Variations

The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, is a work for harpsichord by Johann Sebastian Bach, consisting of an aria and a set of 30 variations. First published in 1741, the work is considered to be one of the most important examples of variation form. The Variations are named after Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, who may have been the first performer. The tale of how the variations came to be composed comes from an early biography of Bach by Johann Nikolaus Fo... More
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Named after:

Also known as:

  • BWV.988,
  • S.988,
  • BWV 988,
  • Keyboard Practice, consisting of an Aria with Diverse Variations, for the Harpsichord with 2 Manuals. Composed for Music Lovers, to Refresh their Spirits.

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Composition

Composer

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March [O.S. 21 March] 1685 – 28 July 1750) was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist of the Baroque Period. He enriched many established German styles through his skill in counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organisation, and the adaptation of...

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Date completed:

  • 1741

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Facts from the Community

From the Music Catalog base

Catalog number:

Music catalog Music catalog value
  • 988
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