Goldberg, Johann Gottlieb

About 1720-about 1760

Remarkable organ and clavichord player and composer; born at Konigsberg. Was a pupil of Johnann Sebastian Bach, who spoke of Goldberg with the highest praise, and wrote for him the thirty variations sometimes called the Goldberg Variations. He possessed most unusual ability as an executant, and was phenomenal in improvising and sight-reading. It is said he could read at sight the most difficult music, even when turned upside down. In 1756 Goldberg was chamber-musician to Count Brühl at Dresden. It is probable that he died in the Count's service. Goldberg is said to have ranked among the best composers of his day. His compositions, all manuscript, include preludes and fugues; twenty- four polonaises; two clavier concertos, one sonata; six trios for flute, violin and bass; menuet with variations; a motet and a cantata. His music is said to be strongly characteristic and imbued with a melancholy tinge.