Description
Book SynopsisBach's spectacular Goldberg Variations represent a high point in the whole repertory of keyboard music, particularly for the harpsichord. This book takes a detailed look at their historical origins, what their exceptionally intricate plan is, what kind of impact they have had, and how their mysterious beauty has been created.
Trade ReviewPeter Williams manages to pack in an extraordinary amount of information about the work's background, compositional techniques and structures, and reception history. His consideration of the work's relationships to a large amount of other music is particularly remarkable. The writing style is fresh and engaging and the material presented clearly and concisely. We can safely say that Williams's book will be the fundamental work on its subject for years to come.' Eighteenth-Century Music
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Background and genesis; 2. Overall shape; 3. The movements; 4. Questions of reception; Appendix: the intended harpsichord.
