Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Theme & Variations

Compose Date

:

before 1710

Publication Date

:

1890

Average_duration

:

13:16

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed the 'Aria variata, for keyboard in A minor, BWV 989' in the year 1709. The piece was premiered in the same year and is also known as the 'Aria mit verschiedenen Veränderungen' or 'Aria with diverse variations'. The composition consists of an aria and 10 variations, with the final variation being a fugue. The aria is in 3/4 time and is characterized by a melancholic and introspective mood. The melody is simple and consists of a descending chromatic line. The variations that follow are diverse in character and showcase Bach's mastery of counterpoint and keyboard technique. The first variation is in the same key as the aria and features a more elaborate and ornamented melody. The second variation is in the key of C major and is characterized by a lively and playful mood. The third variation is in the key of D minor and features a more complex and contrapuntal texture. The fourth variation is in the key of E minor and is characterized by a more somber and introspective mood. The fifth variation is in the key of F major and features a more virtuosic and flashy keyboard technique. The sixth variation is in the key of G minor and features a more complex and contrapuntal texture. The seventh variation is in the key of A minor and features a more elaborate and ornamented melody. The eighth variation is in the key of B-flat major and is characterized by a more lively and playful mood. The ninth variation is in the key of C minor and features a more complex and contrapuntal texture. The final variation is a fugue in the key of A minor and is characterized by a more complex and contrapuntal texture. The fugue subject is derived from the opening melody of the aria and is developed through a series of imitative entries and episodes. Overall, the 'Aria variata, for keyboard in A minor, BWV 989' is a masterful example of Bach's keyboard writing and showcases his ability to create diverse and complex variations on a simple theme.

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