Characteristics of this Allemande

This Allemande has two main characteristics:

• Suspensions: There is a frequent presence of non-harmonic tones, known as suspensions, where one note from a preceding chord is sustained into the subsequent chord. The resolution of these suspensions marks the end of a phrase.

• For example, in bar 1, beat 3, the chord consists of the notes A, C, and E. Therefore, any note other than A, C, or E becomes a non-harmonic tone. In this specific case, the D from the D-F-A chord on beat 2 is sustained, making it the non-harmonic tone, and the C on the off-beat becomes the resolution. It is advisable to reduce the volume of the C compared to the D, as distinguishing between these two (the non-harmonic tone and its resolution) is crucial.

• Notation of Suspensions: The places where these suspensions occur are notated as two eighth notes, typically appearing as pairs or in groups of three.

• For instance, a suspension occurs on beat 3 of bar 1, and the same phenomenon recurs on beat 3 of bar 2; therefore, differentiate between these two instances.
• Similarly, a suspension occurs on beat 3 of bar 12, followed by another on beat 3 of bar 13, and again on beat 3 of bar 14. Performers should consider the character of the chord and the key each time these suspensions appear, varying the tone quality and dynamics accordingly.