Bach, JS - Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (arr)  Ref: 3--006 arranged for string trio (violin, viola, cello) The best-known arrangement of Goldberg is Dmitry Sitkovetsky's, for string trio.  Its fidelity to the notes of the original comes at a price, however:  Mischa Maisky is quoted as saying it was the hardest work he's ever played, because it is not idiomatic to the instrument. The Ourtext arrangement is intended for the rest of us.  Where the original notes lend themselves to strings we have not interfered, except to add appropriate bowings.  Sometimes we have made minor changes where we feel certain that Bach would have himself.  Where the original notes present great technical difficulties on strings we have tried to recreate the effect on the ear of the original, even if that meant a fairly radical restructuring (see variation 17, for example).  In some cases we have given literal and radical alternatives. The arrangements were originally written for our own enjoyment.  We hope you will find them as rewarding as we have. see sample score