Overview of the Overture

This overture is divided into two distinct parts. The first part begins at a slow tempo and features numerous ornaments, trills, and intricate 32nd notes. To perform this opening section, it is essential to be familiar with the French Overture. Those unfamiliar with it should first research the French Overture and listen to several examples to grasp its characteristics.

Characteristics of the First Part

The rhythm of this first section is not to be strictly adhered to; similar to a French Overture, the actual performance of dotted rhythms will be sharper than notated. This is one point.

Another necessary element is improvisation. While meter, rhythm, and tempo must, of course, be maintained, many sections should be performed improvisationally, which inevitably leads to some tempo delays and rhythmic deviations. However, this should be understood as part of the style.

Explanation of the Second Part (9/8 Time)

Next, we will explain the section that shifts to 9/8 time and accelerates in tempo. The theme of this section begins in measure 18, but what is the first note of the theme? In fact, the D in the right hand, written at the beginning of the first beat of measure 18 and tied from the previous measure, is not part of the theme.

Please refer to measure 20. In the right hand, the downbeat of the first beat is notated with an eighth rest. As you can see, the theme begins not on the downbeat but on the upbeat. In this case, it starts on F-sharp and extends to the A on the downbeat of the second beat of measure 21.

Next, please refer to measure 25. The theme appears in the bass, and as mentioned previously, in this case, it also begins on the upbeat of the first beat, on C-sharp. So, what is the C-sharp an octave higher on the downbeat? It should be interpreted as the final note of the bass (lowest part) phrase in measure 24.

Therefore, if you wish to bring out the theme in the left hand in measure 25, you should play the C-sharp on the downbeat with the smallest possible volume, as it is considered the end of the phrase, and then increase the volume from the C-sharp an octave lower on the upbeat.