THE GOLDBERG VARIATIONS

BMW 988: Variation 1 a 1 Clav (1955)

BMW 988: Variation 1 a 1 Clay (1981)

SOUND

1955:

  • The piano in the 1955 version is tuned a few cents sharper than the 1981 version, giving it this lifted, dreamy sound.
  • Generally no pauses, with this variation focusing on the melody

1981:

  • Dynamically, there is a lot more emphasis on the notes themselves.
  • The piano is more in tune, making the piece feel more triumphant.

HARMONY

1955:

  • Counterpoint is what makes this version harmonically pleasant.
  • As Gould flies through both melodies, the notes blend in together to give harmony that fills the soundscape.

1981:

  • Although its still polyphonic, harmony is more emphasized with the melody notes.

MELODY

1955:

  • The melody is rising and falling at a high speed, which gives its melodic structure a wave-like form.
  • The melody itself is articulated.
  • There are 2 separate melodies within the variations, which refreshes the piece halfway.

1981:

  • The 1981 version is slower, and the individual notes are articulated far more, highlighting the melody even more.
  • The individual notes in the melody is articulated.

RHYTHM

1955:

  • The tempo of this version is significantly faster than the other variation.
  • Rhythm is a constant 16-note feel.

1981:

  • The tempo is more slow than the 1955 version, however the rhythmic patterns remain unchanged.

GROWTH

1955:

  • The 1955 version’s growth feels like the entire track is growing, as the melody/harmony sounds like a cohesive unit.
  • The 2 counterpoints in the variation also adds a layer of growth.

1981:

  • Growth can be heard through the notes, not the track itself.
  • As the piece continues, a new melody appears, capping off the ending of the variation.

 

Overall, both these variations have identical rhythmic structures, but each have their own unique sound, as the 1955 version is faster, tuned sharper, articulated more as a unit, while the 1981 version is slower, in tune, and most importantly, articulated through the individual notes. The emotion conveyed between them feel very contrasted.