close

Bach, Johann Sebastian : 6 Partiten Nr.4 Aria

Work Overview

Music ID : 39173
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:suite
Total Playing Time:2 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: February 19, 2024
[Open]
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 delightful aria, rich in humor. While chords such as the Neapolitan sixth occasionally appear, there is no sense of gravity whatsoever, and Bach's uniquely humorous development is evident.

Regarding the opening four measures, particular attention should be paid to the right hand in measures 1-2. Although this passage is played alternately with the left hand, if I may offer my personal opinion as the author, the right-hand line should absolutely be connected without interruption. By so doing, it allows the listener to perceive it as a distinct voice from the left hand's eighth notes. The same principle applies to measures 5-6 (thereby preserving polyphonic order). This approach should be maintained throughout.

The distinction between measures 1-4 and 5-8 lies in the differing presence of the bass and the increasing harmonic density in measures 5-8. One might conceptualize measures 5-8 as if additional instruments have been introduced.

Subsequently, the piece proceeds in two voices. In measures 14-15, the hands separate considerably, making it permissible to increase the dynamics accordingly.

Measure 41 may be considered the peak point of this aria. Nevertheless, this aria is by no means a composition to be performed with intense emotion; therefore, please proceed with elegance, avoiding any harsh sounds.

In measure 45, beat 2, the left hand presents a surprising chord. Such moments warrant emphasis.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou