Bach's aria in the Goldberg variations for Count Kayserling?

[kriatina]

Hello,

I would be interested to know
what kind of level/grade a pianist must be before approaching
Bach's aria in the Goldberg variations for Count Kayserling
and is it possible to find a score with the fingering of this aria?

Thanks from Kristina.

[nekoloff]

It isn't very difficult really. The main problem is the execution of the ornaments and there ARE ornaments there. If you have experience with trills and mordents, the rest is pretty straightforward stuff. Although you have to do a lot of work on the level of interpretation - making it actually sound good. (: I'm not very familiar with grades and levels, but think of Beethoven's 20th sonata - it's probably that level of difficulty in my opinion. And it's shorter.

Also, for the score, take a look here: https://imslp.org/wiki/Goldberg-Variationen,_BWV_988_(Bach,_Johann_Sebastian)

[kriatina]

Thank you very much, nekoloff,
  
for your kind explanation of the difficulties in studying and playing Bach’s Aria.

I understand it is not really connected with “level” or “grade”,
but the real importance is to work on the interpretation and make it sound good.

Thank you also very much for giving me the chance to have a look
at the very first publication of this Aria by Bach’s friend
Balthasar Schmid of Nuernberg. in 1741.

I am very surprised to learn that is is not called “Goldberg Variation” in the first
edition but it was originally called a:

"Keyboard exercise, consisting of an ARIA with diverse variations
for harpsichord with two manuals.
Composed for connoisseurs, for the refreshment of their spirits, by Johann Sebastian Bach,
 composer for the royal court and the Electoral court of Saxony,
Kapellmeister and Director of Choral Music in Leipzig.
Nuremberg, Balthasar Schmid, publisher."

I am very happy that I have had a chance to see the first edition of this Aria.
I believe it is one of the most wonderful and most sensitive Arias/melodies ever composed.
 
I also take into account that it was originally composed for instruments
with a complete different (very refined) tonality,
which was very different from our (much more "heavy" sounding) instruments of today.
I am sure it also has to be played according to the instrument.

Thanks again for your inspiring information, it is very much appreciated.

Best wishes from Kristina.