Analysis of the Bourrée

This Bourrée is a fast French duple-meter dance. Its directionality is remarkably clear, making its formal organization not difficult. Dynamics should be built towards appropriate goals to avoid flatness. At the beginning, from the anacrusis, gradually increase the volume beat by beat, considering measures 3-4 as the peak. Measures 5-8 present a two-measure descending sequence, but the end of the second sequence features an ascending scale. Here, you may increase the volume once and then gradually diminuendo through measures 9-12, or you may play subito p at measure 9 and then gradually crescendo from there.

Two peak points can be considered in the first half: either measures 3-4, or the section in measures 9-12 where eighth notes are lined up, or both.

In the second half, the right-hand theme from measures 1-4 of the first half appears in the left hand in B major. Emphasizing the left hand here would be effective. Measures 17-20 present fragments extracted from the theme in C-sharp minor, with the hands alternating every two measures.

Measures 21-24 are a variation of the melody from measures 9-12, leading to a modulation to F-sharp minor, which increases the tension. A crescendo here would be appropriate.

Measures 25-26 are in F-sharp minor, and measures 27-28 can be considered the dominant of E major.

Measures 29-32 see the pattern from measures 9-12 reappear in the right hand.

Measure 36 can also be considered a peak point.

Measures 39-42 again present the pattern from measures 9-12. You may reduce the volume once in measures 37-38 and then crescendo from measure 39 towards the end.

These are merely examples, and various possibilities can be considered. While the final dynamic decisions are left to the performer, the piece should be played with enjoyment and high tension.