Most classical listeners are well acquainted with Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations, but the Goldberg of the title is likely unknown to them. Johann Gottlieb Goldberg was a talented young musician who most likely studied with Bach and his son, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, and was probably employed by Count Kaiserling, who commissioned the Goldberg Variations to be played during his sleepless nights. While Goldberg was indeed a talented performer, and presumably able to play Bach's demanding work for the Count, his ...
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Most classical listeners are well acquainted with Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations, but the Goldberg of the title is likely unknown to them. Johann Gottlieb Goldberg was a talented young musician who most likely studied with Bach and his son, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, and was probably employed by Count Kaiserling, who commissioned the Goldberg Variations to be played during his sleepless nights. While Goldberg was indeed a talented performer, and presumably able to play Bach's demanding work for the Count, his achievements as a composer were modest. The handful of his works that survive include two cantatas, two harpsichord concertos, keyboard pieces, and the five chamber sonatas on this Bridge release from Jörg-Michael Schwarz and the period group Rebel. Goldberg's knack for vigorous counterpoint and expressive harmonies is readily apparent, but the sonatas tend toward conventional forms that offer few surprises. If these sonatas appeal to modern listeners, credit is due to Rebel and...
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