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Bach, Johann Sebastian : Suite Praeludio

Work Overview

Music ID : 65078
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:suite
Total Playing Time:2 min 50 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: January 8, 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.

Bach's E minor pieces often express sadness, but this prelude, rather than having a serious mood, becomes very lively when it enters the Presto section. It seems to have been originally written for lute, so please do listen to the guitar and harpsichord versions as well.

When performing on the piano, it is logical to utilize the instrument's characteristics.

  • From measures 1 to 15, improvisation is required.
  • The dotted rhythms evoke the style of a "French Overture," thus a majestic performance is desired.

Although the Presto section is fundamentally written in three voices, the first half proceeds in two voices, then transitions to three voices midway, and as it approaches the end, the number of voices increases, concluding with four voices.

Therefore, it is natural for the dynamics of the Presto to begin pp at the outset and gradually build to forte towards the end.

The measure numbers mentioned hereafter refer to those from the beginning of the piece, not from the start of the Presto section.

While I explained that the voices layer and grow in volume, sections where the music suddenly shifts to a lower register (measures 31-39) or unexpectedly reduces to two voices just when it seems to reach a peak (measures 54-58) should be interpreted as a change in the ensemble's instrumentation. This can be understood as a reduction in the number of instruments or a transition to a solo instrument. When performing such sections, please use a different timbre.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou
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