This is a masterful set of variations on a graceful Sarabande theme, demonstrating Bach's profound contrapuntal skill and harmonic richness. Its musical distinction lies in the intellectual depth and emotional range explored through each variation.
This piece demands precise control of multiple independent voices and an understanding of Baroque ornamentation and articulation.
Aria variata in A minor (BWV 989) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Aria variata in A minor (BWV 989) lasts about 10 minutes.
Aria variata in A minor (BWV 989) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.