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Bach, Johann Sebastian : Das zweiten Notenbuch für Anna Magdalena Bach Solo per il cembalo Es-Dur BWV Anh.129

Work Overview

Music ID : 22608
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:3 min 10 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (2)

Author : Hayashikawa, Takashi

Last Updated: May 2, 2020
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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.

Among the pieces inscribed in Anna Magdalena Bach's Notebook are works from the boyhood of Bach's sons, including six pieces by his second son, Emanuel.

This particular piece, likely the last one written among them, is notable not only for its diverse rhythms in the right-hand melody—such as triplets, syncopation, and inverted dotted notes—and the contrapuntal treatment in the left hand, but also for the delicate emotional expression achieved through harmonies that fluctuate between minor and major keys in measures 17-19. This technique, often employed by his father Bach, also foreshadows the "Empfindsamer Stil" (sensitive style) that later became synonymous with Emanuel.

Of course, there must have been guidance and revisions from his father before the final transcription, but even so, it is a piece crafted with youthful ingenuity, showing remarkable growth compared to the other five pieces in the Notebook.

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: April 21, 2024
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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.

Being an Allegro in 2/4 time, the piece could naturally be performed at a quite fast tempo. However, when considering the sixteenth-note triplets and trills comprehensively, the pressure created by an excessively fast tempo gives the listener an impression of "busyness."

The piece itself is very optimistic, witty, and enjoyable, so fast passages played at an extremely rapid tempo seem somewhat incongruous with its overall atmosphere.

For instance, in measure 16, a rest appears at the beginning of the first beat, followed by a rapid repetition of the same note in the left hand. The atmosphere changes dramatically between a performance where such repetitions are played loudly and quickly, and one where they are played lightly, elegantly, and slowly.

Please consider that the overall tension is not particularly high. While unexpected modulations and rhythmic interest should be brought out, the performance should emphasize elegance and enjoyment, rather than being overly technical or provocative.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou