Bach: Goldberg Variations

Goldberg Variations In G Major, Bwv 988: Variatio 29. A 1 Ô Vero 2 Clav.

Goldberg Variations In G Major, Bwv 988: Variatio 28. A 2 Clav.

Goldberg Variations In G Major, Bwv 988: Variatio 30. A 1 Clav. Quodlibet

Night Child (Oscar Peterson) by Boni Li-A-Sam & Peter Bjørnild

Night Child (Oscar Peterson)

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Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 by J.S. Bach. Performed by Shelley Katz. Available from Musopen (https://musopen.org/music/937/johann-sebastian-bach/goldberg-variations-bwv-988/). This work is licensed as Public Domain. 

J.S. Bach - Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 - Aria

"Just Like That" is a heartfelt reflection on the profound loss my family experienced with the passing of my Uncle Jake, a beloved figure in our lives and a local legend in Liverpool. The title captures a phrase he often used, embodying the simplicity and complexity of his larger-than-life persona.

This composition emerges from a place of raw emotion, channeling the sadness, nostalgia, and love we felt during a year of deep reflection. The music is intentionally simple, mirroring the straightforward yet powerful way my uncle approached life. It serves as an emotional landscape, guiding listeners through the stages of grief and remembrance, inviting them to share in our collective journey.

Inspired by the works of Arvo Pärt, "Just Like That" employs minimalist techniques and rich harmonies to create an atmosphere of introspection. The strings weave together gentle, flowing lines that evoke both sorrow and solace. Each section of the orchestra plays a crucial role in building an emotional tapestry that reflects the layers of memory and loss, reminding us that love endures beyond physical presence.

The piece unfolds in thematic motifs that represent different aspects of my uncle's life and character, transitioning between moments of reflection, melancholy, and ultimately, a sense of acceptance and peace.

"Just Like That" is not only a tribute to my uncle but also an exploration of the universal experience of grief. I hope it resonates with anyone who has faced loss, offering a space for contemplation and healing through music, and serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of those we cherish.

Dvořák - String Quartet No. 12 In F Major, American (Cleveland Quartet)

Gaurav Raj Ghimire

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