One of the most iconic and monumental compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach, and indeed one of the most celebrated works of the baroque repertoire, is this theme with 30 variations written for keyboardist Johann Gottlieb Goldberg. The aria melody on which the variations are based is one of the most achingly lovely that Bach ever wrote – and should permanently put to rest any impression that his music was soulless and mechanical. The variations demonstrate further his melodic genius, as he creates elaborations of the original tune in a variety of styles. Murray Perahia’s performance of these pieces is among the absolute best renditions on modern piano.