Goldberg Variation no 1

[beethoven_fan]

Hi, everybody !

I'd like to know the grade (I know that grades are all subjective) for the first variation. I like it so much, so beautiful. I have looked at the score, it doesn't seem that hard. Is it harder than it looks ? I'd love to play it, but I don't want to mess it.

I'm not very adavanced. Here's what I have played by Bach (besides the Aria from the Goldberg and Prelude in C major that everyone plays) :

Inventions no 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, ,8 , 9, 10, 13, 14
Sinfonia no 15
Menuet from French Suite no. 2 in C minor
Menuet from French Suite no. 4 in Eb major
Gavotte from French Suite no. 5 in G major
Menuet from French Suite no. 6 in E major

I can play those very fine, I'm very comfortable with them.

I have tried about a year ago to play Prelude in C minor from WCT 1, but could not play it at tempo. That's all I have I played from the WTC. No fugue yet.

Is Variation no 1 around my level ? Or is it too advanced for me ?

[neardn]

do you mean the Aria? or Var 1?

they are different.

Either way, they're both relatively easy if you can play the inventions. The Aria is easier.

[beethoven_fan]

Hi, neardn !

I meant Var 1. Thank you for your answer. I'm gonna try it.

[xmrbrightside89]

Did you play the bach's two part or three part inventions?  Anyways, you should try some English suites (Suite in a Minor and in g Minor) or French suites first! In my point of view.. 
The Well-tempred Clavier is really challenging and you should give it a try!

[beethoven_fan]

Hi, xmrbrightside89 !

I have played several two parts inventions (not all, but I intend to complete the set). I have been working for two weeks on a three parts invention (the one in B minor).

I have played some parts of the French Suites (see above in the first post of this thread). These are mostly menuets, not very technically demanding. I have not tried the English Suites yet, but I certainly will give a try.

I have tried many times to play the WTC (both books), but that is too hard for me now. However, I promise you that I will get back to it, I want absolutely play this work (maybe my all-time favourite in keyboard literature). I think I better play more Three Part inventions and Suites before to play this marvellous work, which requires great technique.

Thank you for your recommendations. You're very kind.