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Bach, Johann Sebastian : Englische Suiten Nr.3 Gigue

Work Overview

Music ID : 39102
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:gigue
Total Playing Time:3 min 20 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: April 1, 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.

This Gigue is characterized by extremely high tension. There is never a moment of repose; it is constantly unsettling, energetic, and possesses a strong sense of pressure.

Consequently, examples of unsuccessful performances of this Gigue include legato and smooth playing, dragging performances, and producing soft tones; the aim should be the inverse of these. Articulation should be dry and somewhat staccato, rhythms should be crisp and sharp, the tempo should never be allowed to drop, no moment of relief should be granted to the listener, and a consistently oppressive performance is desirable.

Ensure clear differentiation between soprano and alto voices in measures 8-10, etc., and always strive for voice independence. The peak point of the first half is measure 19. In the latter half, from the fourth beat of measure 37, the bass ascends stepwise, so gradually increase the tension, making measures 41-44 the peak point.

Some performers may drag (slow down) the tempo at measure 44 (the final measure) to conclude, but doing so dissipates the tension that has been carefully sustained. Conclude in tempo until the very end, allowing only a minimal pulling back of the tempo at the very end, and conclude with a crescendo.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou