Bach: Goldberg Variations | Evgeni Koroliov (Bachfest Leipzig 2008)

The Goldberg Variations for a desert island: Evgeni Koroliov plays the Goldberg Variations by Johann Sebastian Bach at the Bachfest Leipzig 2008.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) gave the following inscription to the cycle for harpsichord that today is known as the Goldberg Variations: “Keyboard exercise, consisting of an ARIA with diverse variations.” The first edition of this harpsichord exercise was published in the fall of 1741 and formed the 4th part of a collection of compositions for harpsichord that Bach had compiled for the secular concerts of the Collegium Musicum. In the Bach catalog of works, the harpsichord variations are listed under the number 988 (BWV 988).
The common name Goldberg Variations (Goldberg Variationen) originated only in the 19th century and derives from an anecdote that contemporary scholars have proved to be historically inaccurate. According to the anecdote, the harpsichord pieces were commissioned by Hermann Carl von Keyserlingk. Keyserlingk was a Russian diplomat and had met Johann Sebastian Bach personally in Dresden in 1741. Because Keyserlingk suffered from insomnia, he is said to have requested from Bach piano pieces that his harpsichordist Johann Gottlieb Goldberg could play for him during sleepless nights. As a result, the harpsichord variations are said to be named after Keyserlingk's private musician Johann Gottlieb Goldberg. Although this is not true, the name Goldberg Variations has become the standard.

The Goldberg Variations are a masterpiece of baroque compositional art. They consist of an aria with a bass theme that varies 30 times in quite distinct ways. Every third variation is a canon, and of the altogether 10 canons, the last is a quodlibet in which Bach has interwoven two folk songs. The 16th variation is an overture and marks the beginning of the 2nd part. The final da capo aria completes the cycle. The Goldberg Variations were composed for double manual harpsichord, whereby 15 variations only require single manual, 11 variations require double manual, and 4 variations require either single or double manual. It is therefore a particular challenge to play Bach's Goldberg Variations on the piano.

Evgeni Koroliov, born in Moscow in 1949, is considered one of the greatest Bach interpreters of our time. Koroliov has lived in Hamburg since 1978 and has performed on all the world's great stages. His piano repertoire spans all musical epochs, but it is with his Bach interpretations in particular that Evgeni Koroliov has been able to impress the music world time and again. The composer György Ligeti once professed that he would take Koroliov's rendition of Bach's “The Art of Fugue” to a desert island. This adage could easily be applied to Koroliov's Goldberg Variations—one could surely set off to a desert island with them.

(00:00) Aria
(04:58) Variatio 1. a 1 Clav.
(07:02) Variatio 2. a 1 Clav.
(08:41) Variatio 3. Canone all' Unisono a 1 Clav.
(10:49) Variatio 4. a 1 Clav.
(11:57) Variatio 5. a 1 o 2 Clav.
(13:12) Variatio 6. Canone alla Seconda a 1 Clav.
(14:51) Variatio 7. a 1 o 2 Clav. Al tempo di Giga
(16:59) Variatio 8. a 2 Clav.
(18:55) Variatio 9. Canone alla Terza a 1 Clav.
(20:47) Variatio 10. Fughetta a 1 Clav.
(22:35) Variatio 11. a 2 Clav.
(24:42) Variatio 12. Canone alla Quarta in moto contrario a 1 Clav.
(26:59) Variatio 13. a 2 Clav.
(32:25) Variatio 14. a 2 Clav.
(34:30) Variatio 15. Canone alla Quinta in moto contrario a 1 Clav.
(39:49) Variatio 16. Ouverture a 1 Clav.
(42:53) Variatio 17. a 2 Clav.
(44:40) Variatio 18. Canone alla Sesta a 1 Clav.
(46:32) Variatio 19. a 1 Clav.
(48:54) Variatio 20. a 2 Clav.
(50:44) Variatio 21. Canone alla Settima a 1 Clav.
(54:01) Variatio 22. a 1 Clav.
(55:48) Variatio 23. a 2 Clav.
(57:48) Variatio 24. Canone all' Ottava a 1 Clav.
(1:00:24) Variatio 25. a 2 Clav.
(1:10:42) Variatio 26. a 2 Clav.
(1:13:21) Variatio 27. Canone alla Nona a 2 Clav.
(1:15:09) Variatio 28. a 2 Clav.
(1:17:15) Variatio 29. a 1 o 2 Clav.
(1:19:44) Variatio 30. Quodlibet a 1 Clav.
(1:21:30) Aria da Capo

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[whosaysitmatters]

I find it hard to believe that anyone can play this from memory, but then I find it hard to believe that Bach could have written it. Life is full of things that are hard to believe, we should be grateful for so much.

[TheMaaritube]

I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to this work played by Vikingur Olafsson in Helsinki. I came to the conclusion that Bach's music is actually all the music you need. There is everything in it.

[valentinoplacanica]

Bach's music seems like it's written on the rules of the universe itself, on a material level, like the gravity laws, but most of all on a spiritual level. It's like it's always in the air, and when someone's playing it he's just raising the volume of something that was already there

[danwolfe]

IMO One of the very best interpretations of Bach's Goldberg Variations !!!!

[scarlethawkmoon]

Oh I'm so happy I found this!... back in 2013 I had the privilege of attending Mr. Koroliov's concert in the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, where he played this piece and blew me away. Today I wanted to hear this piece and my husband said I should listen to Schiff's rendition. I gave it a go but there was something missing for me... exactly what Koroliov's interpretation delivers here, feeling like a gentle caress.

[jeffsmith]

Every time I listen to the aria, it amazes me that this theme contains the seed from which all the following variations emerge.

[HomoMathematicus.]

For the first time I was able to listen to this piece to the end. With pleasure.

[staffanolofsson]

If I try to listen to this without hearing Glenn Gould in my inner ear, I find this version very beautiful and well balanced. Thank you, Evgeni Koroliov!

[Oaktreealley]

Wonderful performance.
When i listen to Bach it’s like my brain becomes stretched, and i can see the universe expanding. 🤯
Love you, papa bach.

[nnbqbei]

Спасибо исполнителю за высокую фантазию и полёт мысли! Музыка Баха предстала перед нами не проста в 32 вариациях, а нам в интерпритации дали услышать 128 вариаций - какая богатая палитра мыслей и чувст у исполнителя. Музыка Баха звучит поражая внимание слушателя! Браво! ❤❤❤

[johnjulian]

perfection, thank you for the devotion to make this happen.

[tetsuomasumi]

Once I start listening to this performance, I can't stop it halfway.

[evanofelipe]

That we, in an instant, can share the magnificent music of Bach played by such gifted pianists is the miracle of our age. All are to be found here. Thanks to efforts of like minded we have access in seconds to the World’s most wonderful music. Thanks for uploading, it is most appreciated.

[lopezsantos]

Superb performance Mr Koroliov!, one of the finest pieces from the giant JS Bach in the hands of a great performer. Thanks DW for your culture information and high quality music channels.

[waynesmith]

There are so many good performances of this magnificent work! And this is one of them. Personally I have gratitude for the many artists who give us on various keyboard instruments the chance to enjoy the endlessly beautiful Goldberg.

[rainergraichen]

For me the greatest Performer of the Goldberg Variations. Phantastic! I Shared it with my Cousin in Hobart, Tasmania.

[KoreanWalker]

Thank you for sharing beautiful music. Every single notes is pure and beautiful. I can say this performance is one of the best interpretation on Goldberg variations!

[FlexingClassicalMusic]

I find solace in the intricate details of classical compositions. The nuanced phrasing, the subtle crescendos, and the delicate pauses create a mesmerizing experience that allows me to escape into a world of beauty and artistry. 🌺🎶

[ck]

Such a lovely balance between precision and expression. Which I think is the true spirit of the music in the first place.

[jkryptos]

Koroliov's plauying here is pristine. That's the best word I have for it. Pristine. And glorious.