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Bach, Johann Sebastian : Englische Suiten Nr.5 Allemande

Work Overview

Music ID : 39110
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:allemande
Total Playing Time:3 min 50 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.

Points to Note

There are two points to note:

  • Tempo: As this is an Allemande, there should be no sense of pressure or urgency. A naturally flowing tempo is desirable, where the speed of the 32nd notes appearing in the piece does not contribute to such factors. Avoid playing too fast.
  • Voice Distinction: Distinguish between notes that should be brought out and those that should be subdued, even within the same voice. For example, in measure 3, in the treble clef, the right hand has movements of 7ths and 6ths on beats 2 and 4. Such patterns appear frequently throughout this piece. The same applies to the left hand.
    When these 7ths and 6ths appear, it is the upper note that is moving, while the lower note, although certainly part of the same voice, is sustained. For instance, in measure 3, beat 2, when the notes are D-C-D-H (B natural), the lower D is sustained, while the upper C and H move in a descending manner.
    In such cases, never make the sustained note louder. The human ear naturally gravitates towards the moving parts. Especially in measure 3, beats 2 and 4, the lower note is likely played by the thumb (finger 1). Be careful, as the thumb tends to play louder.
    As another example, in measure 6, beat 4, in the left hand, with A-G-A-F#, the A is sustained, so this note should be subdued, and you should bring out the moving G and F#.
Writer: Ooi, Kazurou