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Bach, Johann Sebastian : 6 kleine Praeludien Prelude Nr.5 E-Dur BWV 937

Work Overview

Music ID : 22581
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:prelude
Total Playing Time:1 min 40 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: November 20, 2023
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

From the score, it is clear that this piece should be played at a somewhat quick tempo, but what is the character of this piece? The key of E major is a special key for Bach; when one considers his E major works such as the Inventions and Sinfonias, there is no strong emotion, sorrow, oppression, or dynamism present. Now, consider the E major French Suite. You will find that its character is by no means strong.

Then, listen to the E major French Suite's Gigue. There are similarities between that Gigue and this Prelude. Although this Prelude naturally has no tempo marking, it would be safe to consider it a piece with a relatively mild character, to be played at a tempo from Moderato to Allegretto.

Although measures 13-14 become slightly more emotional, fundamentally, try playing Bach's E major works with a fantastical, optimistic, and delicate character. Consequently, when playing eighth notes staccato, the staccato should not be overly sharp.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou

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