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Bach, Johann Sebastian : 5 kleine Praeludien Nr.3 e-moll BWV 941

Work Overview

Music ID : 22585
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:prelude
Total Playing Time:0 min 50 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.

The key of E minor, as employed by Bach, is often associated with the expression of sorrow. It is beneficial to recall E minor compositions from works such as The Well-Tempered Clavier, Inventions, and Sinfonias. While compositions in E minor frequently exhibit a tendency towards either extremely fast or extremely slow tempos, this particular prelude does not convey a sense of vigorous motion, suggesting that a slower interpretation might be more appropriate. Although the ultimate tempo setting rests with the performer, the author would personally opt for a slow rendition.

Subsequently, the piece commences in E minor, modulates to C major in measure 8, then to G major in measure 11, and thereafter traverses a harmonic sequence before returning to E minor. It is crucial to comprehend this structural progression initially.

Furthermore, this prelude contains the highest note, A, at two distinct points. The first instance occurs in measure 6, beat 3, and the second in measure 15. Nevertheless, despite both being the highest note A, the first A leads into the C major section and can be characterized as serene, whereas the second A is situated in a passage of heightened tension and warrants a forte dynamic. The section spanning measures 15-16 can be considered the most climactic portion of this prelude, from which point the music descends, concluding serenely with a Picardy third.

Once the tempo has been established, please proceed to determine the dynamics of the piece based on the aforementioned information.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou