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Bach, Johann Sebastian : 6 Partiten Nr.1 Gigue

Work Overview

Music ID : 39156
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:gigue
Total Playing Time:2 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: April 16, 2023
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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.

This is a highly technical Gigue with many leaps where it is easy to play wrong notes. Until the left hand completely memorizes the positions of the leaps, it is advisable to practice with a certain degree of tenuto rather than staccato from the beginning. The longer the fingers remain in a position, the easier it is to memorize, and the shorter the time, the harder it is to memorize. Therefore, it is recommended to practice by playing the notes somewhat tenuto and sustained at first.

Now, this Gigue can be played in many ways, varying from person to person. Some play it slowly, others fast; some use short staccatos, others long. The atmosphere changes dramatically depending on these choices. While this is a personal preference, the author believes that the faster and drier this Gigue is played, the better. Its charm, in my opinion, emerges not from a smooth, flowing horizontal motion, but from a marcato, dry, and sharply articulated performance with short staccatos.

While I do not prefer performances that overuse the pedal, are excessively slow in tempo, or have heavy articulation, the final interpretation is ultimately left to the performer's discretion.

The mood should be joyful and light, progressing steadily without interrupting the musical flow.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou