Bach, Johann Sebastian : Allemande a-moll BWV 835
Work Overview
Genre:allemande
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (2)
Author : Asayama, Natsuko
Last Updated: April 1, 2008
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Author : Asayama, Natsuko
A work by J. Ph. Kirnberger (1821-1883), a pupil of J. S. Bach. It is preserved only in a document (P 636) held by the Berlin State Library. In the old complete edition, it is listed as 'old manuscript, composer's name not indicated'.
The whole piece is in strict three voices, with descending figures dominating the first half and ascending figures dominating the second half. While contrapuntal development and motivic work are handled simply yet carefully, the formulaic theme presentation and harmonic progression give it the feel of an etude. However, the melody, continuously passed between the left and right hands, is fluid and graceful, and filled with the transparent melancholy unique to A minor.
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: October 30, 2023
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Author : Ooi, Kazurou
This piece also has an organ version, which I highly recommend listening to. There are two pieces of advice for performing this Allemande.
Performance Advice
- 1. Balance of Note Values
As you will notice when examining this Allemande, sixteenth notes are consistently present in at least one voice, without interruption. Even in the second beat of the last measure, where an eighth note appears on the off-beat in the soprano, the alto's presence below it ensures that the sixteenth notes sound continuous.
Consequently, this piece tends to become very loud, and there is a risk that the sustain of longer notes, such as half notes or quarter notes, may be obscured by the sixteenth notes. Therefore, a balance of note values is necessary. Specifically, sixteenth notes, which have the shortest note value, should be played at the softest dynamic (pp), and the volume should increase as the note value lengthens. This approach ensures that the sustain of notes with longer durations reaches the listener's ear without being hindered by the sixteenth notes. - 2. Relationship between Soprano and Alto
The bass, being in a lower and more distinct register, is relatively easy to discern. However, the soprano and alto are in close proximity, which can lead to confusion between the voices. Therefore, it is crucial to fundamentally differentiate the timbre of the soprano and alto, allowing the two voices to stand out independently. Listening to the organ version is also beneficial in this regard.