Bach, Johann Sebastian : Concerto Largo
Work Overview
Genre:Reduction/Arrangement
Total Playing Time:4 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: September 14, 2023
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Author : Ooi, Kazurou
A crucial point to consider when performing this second movement is the tempo setting.
Although it is marked "Largo," this indication primarily applies to violin ensembles. When performed on keyboard instruments such as piano or organ, the interpretation changes slightly.
First, try playing only the tutti sections of this movement. When playing measures 9-11, set a tempo that is not too slow. For measures 9-11, choose a speed that allows you to feel the triple meter even at a slow pace, and that enables a sense of horizontal flow. If the tempo is too slow, these three measures alone can become tedious.
Furthermore, for measures 1-4, the harmonic analysis is as follows: m.1: i VI, m.2: viio7 v6, m.3: ii/ii 7hd/V IV6, m.4: V. Following the bass line, one can observe a chromatic descending progression from D to C-sharp, C, B natural, B-flat, and A. If you perform with this harmonic progression in mind, a tempo that is too slow will impede the flow. Adding a slight accent to the bass notes where they change chromatically will make the music clearer.
This second movement can be very difficult to understand and easily lose its coherence depending on the performance. Therefore, perform it at an appropriate tempo, keeping the harmonic progressions and tonality in mind.