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The Goldberg Variations by JS Bach: A Four Part Course with Peter Medhurst
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"The Goldberg Variations" (BWV 988) published in 1741, is among a handful of works designed by JS Bach to stand as monuments to his high achievements as a composer. "The Goldberg Variations" consists of an aria with a set of 30 variations and takes its name from Johann Gottlieb Goldberg who is traditionally reputed to have been the first performer of the work.
Every musical device and keyboard technique known to Bach appears during the course of the meticulously planned Variations: canon, fugue, French Overture, dance forms, traditional song, inversion, contrary motion, toccata, hand-crossing, etc - in other words, "The Goldberg Variations" becomes a melting pot of all things known to the musical world of the late Baroque. A chance to get to know in detail a work that is one of the most important compositions in the history of music.
This four-part course has been designed to accompany a series of seminars led by Peter Medhurst. For more information, please click here.
Lecture 2: Variations 9-15
Lecture 3: Variations 16-22
Lecture 4: Variations 23-30
Peter Medhurst appears in the UK and abroad as musician and scholar, giving recitals and delivering illustrated lectures on music and the arts. He studied composition and early keyboard instruments at the Royal College of Music in London, and singing with Erik Werba at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He is known today for his lecture-recital work which has taken him to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as to all the major cities in Europe. He lectures for The Arts Society, The National Trust, and The Art Fund. Peter also leads tours abroad to places like Venice, Rome, Berlin, Vienna, and Madrid, and as part of the time spent exploring these places he gives organ recitals on the historic instruments in the various cathedrals and churches.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
I've been listening to the Goldberg Variations for decades, and this course taught me so much about this much-beloved music. As usual from this presenter, excellent.
I was so fascinated by the analysis Peter lead us through of The Goldberg Variations. He was clear, succinct, insightful, and fun. I enjoyed having the score available to follow while listening. It was a wonderful course and I will be eager to sign up for other courses Peter gives. Bravo!
So interesting. Lots of information and in depth exploration of the music. I'll never listen to it again without remembering this. Thank you!
So interesting and definitely mind opening, and lots of fun to hear and see the Bach music.