Goldberg, Johann Gottlieb

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Goldberg, Johann Gottlieb

Goldberg, Johann Gottlieb, German organist, harpsichordist, and composer; b. Danzig (baptized), March 14, 1727; d. Dresden, April 13, 1756. As a child, he was taken to Dresden by his patron, Count Hermann Karl von Keyserlingk. He is reported to have studied with Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, and later with J.S. Bach (1742-43), and in 1751 he became musician to Count Heinrich Bruhl, a post he held till his death. His name is immortalized through the set of 30 variations for keyboard by Bach, the so-called Goldberg Variations, which were believed to have been commissioned by Keyserlingk for Goldberg. Although this account is now doubted, it is known that Bach gave Goldberg a copy of the score. Goldberg’s own compositions include 2 concertos, polonaises, a Sonata with Minuet and 12 variations for Harpsichord, 6 trios for Flute, Violin, and Bass, a Motet, and a Cantata.

Bibliography

E. Dadder, J.G. G.:Leben und Werke (Bonn, 1923).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

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Goldberg, Johann Gottlieb

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