My life changed when I first heard the Goldberg Variations by Bach. This intricate, highly complex piece of music both baffled and attracted me. Its impossibly difficult architecture held together even though it seemed baffling to me as a beginning pianist. How did it all fit? How did the notes come together so beautifully? It became my life's mission to learn to play the piano piece in all of its kaleidoscopic glory. I spent hours at the piano, making sure that each measure was perfect, which took what seemed like forever. Finally, with the help of my piano teacher, I mastered it well enough to play at a recital--but not well enough to satisfy me. I wanted to learn to play it on the harpsichord, so I found one in my area and took time to practice, the feather picked notes swirling around my head in dizzying structures. I can play it, now, and well, and each time I dip in is as attractive as the last.