Bach, Johann Sebastian : 9 kleine Praeludien Nr.8 a-moll BWV 931
Work Overview
Genre:prelude
Total Playing Time:0 min 50 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: January 8, 2024
[Open]
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
This is a prelude where improvisation is crucial. While many ornaments are to be played improvisationally, the question then becomes what tempo should be maintained.
In the first beat of bar 4, a G-sharp appears, which is natural as it is the leading tone of A minor. However, a G natural suddenly appears on the second beat. While this is intended to lead to G major, considering the ornaments and such abrupt modulations (which can also be viewed as a harmonic sequence), it is indeed considered that the piece should proceed at an Adagio tempo.
The highest notes in this piece are the F in the fourth beat of bar 2 and the F in the first beat of bar 7. Bars 1-3 present the A minor theme, followed by a descending sequence in bars 4-5. Therefore, gradually decrease the volume, then from bar 6, ascend sharply, reaching the F in the first beat of bar 7 with a crescendo.
In that sense, the F in bar 7 has a higher tension than the F in bar 2.
Once the F in bar 7 is reached, gradually diminish from there, and conclude solemnly with a Picardy third.