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Bach, Johann Sebastian : 6 Partiten Nr.4 Courante

Work Overview

Music ID : 39172
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:courante
Total Playing Time:3 min 40 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: February 19, 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.

Listening to recordings of this Courante, one is surprised by the wide variety of tempi at which it is performed. The time signature of this Courante is 3/2, indicating that it is a French-style Courante. In the case of French-style Courantes, the tempo is never fast, and one should avoid giving the impression of haste.

If the tempo is set to approximately quarter note = 84, a considerably calm feeling emerges. However, if set to approximately quarter note = 140, a significant sense of speed is felt. Videos available online exhibit this range of difference. While the final tempo setting is left to the performer, if I may offer my personal opinion as the author, a tempo of approximately quarter note = 84 feels more appropriate.

Unlike the Italian Corrente, the French-style Courante was a dance intended to convey intellect and refinement, and thus did not require rapid movements. Therefore, it should be played slowly.

If a fast tempo is chosen, playing ascending figures, such as those in the right hand between the second and third beats of measure 11, at a rapid tempo inevitably conveys a certain “haste” or “anxiety.” For your reference.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou