Bach: The Goldberg Variations

by Peter Williams

Overview

Bach's spectacular Goldberg Variations represent a high point in the repertory of keyboard music, particularly for the harpsichord. This book takes a detailed look at how these variations originated, especially in relation to all Bach's Clavierübung volumes and late keyboard works, what their exceptionally intricate plan is, what kind of impact they have had, and how their mysterious beauty has been created. This guide to what was at the time the largest and most carefully conceived single work of keyboard music will appeal to students, performers and listeners.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521807357
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/27/2001
Series:	Cambridge Music Handbooks
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.43(d)
Lexile:	1580L (what's this?)

About the Author

Peter Williams (1937–2016) was an internationally renowned Bach scholar and performer. He held the first Chair in Performance Practice in Britain at the University of Edinburgh, where he was Director of the Russell Collection of Harpsichords and latterly Dean of Music. He was also the first Arts and Sciences Distinguished Chair at Duke University, North Carolina. He was the author of many books, including The Organ Music of J. S. Bach (3 volumes, Cambridge, 1981–1984), Bach, Handel, Scarlatti 1685–1985 (Cambridge, 1985), The Life of Bach (Cambridge, 2003) and J. S. Bach: A Life in Music (Cambridge, 2007).

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Background and genesis; 2. Overall shape; 3. The movements; 4. Questions of reception; Appendix: the intended harpsichord.

Editorial Reviews

"...this study explores not only music but its historical significance and reception, in prose that is clear, pithy, and to the point...Williams's latest book is a worthy addition to the Cambridge series." Notes

From the Publisher