Goldberg Variations BWV988 - J.S. Bach

Standard: Advanced   Harp Type: Pedal Harp

J.S. Bach's monumental keyboard composition arranged for pedal harp by Catrin Finch

• Aria
• Variations 1 - 30
• Aria da Capo

My intention has been to transfer the music onto the harp, changing as little as possible of the original keyboard version. I hope that I have succeeded, and that Bach would perhaps have enjoyed hearing it on this most wonderful instrument. The harp is naturally more suited to some of the Variations than others, and problems did arise when many notes had to be played in the same area of the instrument. But with some careful fingering, I think it is all possible! This incredible music continues to be an inspiration to me both when I hear and play it, and without doubt I will continue to discover more amazing things about Bach’s masterpiece.

 In this new edition of my adaptation I have decided to take out the pedal markings, as these are personal to the individual, and working out where to place them is very much part of the learning and understanding process. The left hand should be mostly played lower on the strings, and for clarity, the four bottom strings (f, e, d, c) should be muted throughout since they are never used.

 Catrin Finch