Goldberg Variations, BWV 988

The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, are probably the main work (or at least the most renowned) of Johann Sebastian Bach. They are often played at the piano and the harpsichord, but also on the organ, or with chamber music ensemble (Quartets, Trios). First published in 1741, this monumental composition, consisting of an aria and a set of 30 variations, are named after Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, to whom they are dedicated, and who was probably the first performer. After a statement of the aria at the beginning, there are thirty variations that do not follow the melody, but its bass line.

Giovanni Mazzocchin (who recently recorded Beethoven's 5 late Sonatas for OnClassical, OC145CSET) plays this (not easy) work with all repetitions and no pedal (!). On the repetitions he does improvisations as were typical during that epoch. The recording is in perfect stereo A-B available in HD at 88.2/24-bits.

Credits

Recorded @ Saletta acustica 'Eric James', Pove del Grappa, 2016
Sound engineer: Alessandro Simonetto
Equipment used: 4-mics
Instrument(s) used: 9-foot Steinway D piano, 'Ferrari-O'
Photo/paint on cover: Alessandro Simonetto
Artwork: ©OnClassical
An OnClassical production, ©2016