BWV988: kaleidoscope

A book dedicated to J.S. Bach “I began learning and playing BWV 988 (the Goldberg Variations) in 2024 and have since been inspired, moved, and comforted by this magical piece. It is an exquisitely crafted, highly sophisticated, and philosophical—yet calming—legacy of J.S. Bach. This book is dedicated to this masterpiece, which has accompanied me through the years, and to Bach for his enduring musical legacy—a true, shining gem in the realm of art.” —Joyce Shi, July, 2025 Designed in a triptych format with French fold allowing 3 variations/illustrations to be presented on each sheet of paper (except for Aria and Aria Da Capo), the structure is a direct response to the piece unfolding into 30 variations, with 3 variations as a group, and every third variation being a canon. And with vector illustrations, the work highlights the mathematical yet poetic nature of this masterpiece.