Bach, Johann Sebastian : Sonate Fuga: Allegro
Work Overview
Genre:sonata
Total Playing Time:4 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Ooi, Kazurou
Last Updated: October 6, 2023
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Author : Ooi, Kazurou
This can be considered a "joyful" fugue, proceeding with a light tempo. However, it differs from a piece that evokes a "thrilling" or "exciting" feeling. Perhaps it's more akin to the "satisfying enjoyment of an adult." At least, no serious aspects are discernible.
Articulation is crucial when performing this fugue. Fundamentally, it is advisable to play the eighth notes staccato. For instance, in the right hand, upper voice, from measures 7-8, a two-beat rhythm is written as an eighth note + quarter note + eighth note. Executing this with clear articulation—making the eighth notes distinct and short staccatos, connecting the quarter note without breaking until the next eighth note, and then detaching again at that eighth note—enhances the piece's joyful character and ensures the independence of the voices.
Therefore, as in measure 11, where four quarter notes are written in the lower voice of the right hand, these should be connected legato, while the upper voice should employ the aforementioned articulation, playing the eighth notes short.
When the bass voice plays the theme, as in measure 13, the bass notes in measures 1-2 are staccato. Regardless of any sustained notes in the tenor voice, ensure the eighth notes are played staccato to maintain the independence of the voices.