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Bach, Johann Sebastian : Partita  Sarabande

Work Overview

Music ID : 38181
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:salabande
Total Playing Time:14 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: January 8, 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.

The author speculates that this Sarabande was likely performed at a considerably slow tempo. The reasons are as follows: While measures 1-8 can be played at a moderate tempo, measures 9-16 feature a profusion of keys and chords, creating a dramatic latter half that even gives the impression of incorporating a Neapolitan sixth.

The excessively rapid harmonic changes are difficult to follow aurally. A somewhat slower tempo would therefore be more logical.

While this is one approach, the first eight measures (mm. 1-8) can be conceived as two 4-measure units, with phrasing taken in 4-measure increments. Conversely, for the latter eight measures (mm. 9-16), it becomes easier to perform if conceived in 2-measure units.

In measures 9-10, it is clearly in C-sharp minor, and given the I-V-I progression, dynamics such as p-mp-p should be applied. In measures 11-12, the tension increases in B minor. Although the chord progression is V-I-V-I, since the melodic notes in measure 11 are higher, measure 12 should be played softer as a resolution chord.

Measure 13 strongly suggests A minor. While it could simply be considered a harmonic sequence, a slower tempo further enhances the impression of modulation, leading one to inevitably associate the third beat of measure 14 with a Neapolitan sixth. Measure 15 proceeds to the double dominant of A major, and measure 16 to A major. Please consider applying appropriate dynamics for each.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou
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