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Bach, Johann Sebastian : Englische Suiten Nr.3 Sarabande

Work Overview

Music ID : 39100
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:salabande
Total Playing Time:3 min 40 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: April 1, 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.

It seems undeniable that Bach conceived this Sarabande with the organ in mind. The bass line, starting from measure 1, is sustained with a tie until the end of measure 7, without any break. This is hardly conceivable on the harpsichord, and even on a modern piano, it presents difficulties.

Even if string instruments were in mind, playing it on the harpsichord would still be impractical. However, not only in measures 1-7, but also in the bass of measures 17-19, the soprano of measures 13-16, and likewise the soprano of measures 21-22, the piece is written using the compositional technique known as pedal point or organ point.

While a pedal point spanning a few measures might be acceptable, a note sustained for as long as seven measures, like the bass in measures 1-7, tends to lose its audible function as the measures progress.

Therefore, I propose that you try re-striking the bass note, for example, in measures 3, 5, and 7. Although it is tied, re-striking it will allow you to perceive the sustain of G. For other passages, try re-striking the notes in the same manner as needed.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou