Bach. Goldberg Variations. Variatio 6

Description

Variatio VI is a canon at the second: the follower starts a major second higher than the leader. The piece is based on a descending scale and is in 3/8 time. The harpsichordist Ralph Kirkpatrick describes this piece as having “an almost nostalgic tenderness”. Each section has an alternate ending to be played on the first and second repeat.

In the repeats, I first underline a canonic voice, then the other. The left hand is a continuous flow of 16th notes, which gets interrupted by a few 8th notes. For this reason, these 8th notes deserve particular attention and I’m emphasizing them. The result is a rhythm that reminds of a dance.