J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Bach wrote the Goldberg Variations for a harpsichord with two keyboards. Barbara Hill has arranged them for flute and alto flute, published by Wonderful Winds.
The arrangement
J. S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations (Aria mit verschiedenen Veränderungen), BWV 988, were composed for a two‑manual harpsichord and first published in Leipzig in 1741. This new arrangement for Flute and Alto Flute by Barbara Hill offers a thoughtful, scholarly, and highly playable interpretation of the work, making it a valuable and distinguished addition to the flute and alto‑flute repertoire.
Retaining Bach’s original ornaments, the edition introduces some carefully considered phrasing while leaving most articulation and all dynamic decisions to the performer, preserving the expressive freedom essential to this music. Hill’s arrangement demonstrates a deep understanding of both Bach’s contrapuntal writing and the expressive capabilities of modern flutes: lines are shaped with sensitivity, textures are balanced with care, and the musical argument is always clear. The result is an edition that is both faithful to the spirit of the original and deeply enjoyable to perform.
The book is visually striking, with clear engraving and a layout designed for practical music‑making. It lies perfectly flat in use thanks to its wire binding, making it ideal for rehearsal and performance.
Staff pick · Just Flutes
“A valuable gem!”
Chris chose Barbara's arrangement as a staff pick at the specialist flute shop. Arranging Bach's monumental Goldberg Variations for two flutes seems optimistic at first, he writes, but on closer look the book is quite a little gem.
The flute part is a challenge that doubles as study material for phrasing, tone, dexterity, breathing, articulation, ornamentation and stamina, and the slightly less busy alto part builds skills too. Above all, it opens one of Bach's most important works to flute players: “Optimism at its best!”