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Home > Bach, Johann Sebastian > Erbarm' Dich Mein, O Herre Got

Bach, Johann Sebastian : Erbarm' Dich Mein, O Herre Got BWV 721

Work Overview

Music ID : 72046
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:Various works
Total Playing Time:3 min 50 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (2)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: October 30, 2023
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Rather than offering tips for performing this piece, I will outline common pitfalls.

1. Performance where the melody line and accompaniment are indistinguishable

The melody line should be clearly balanced so that it is discernible to any listener.

2. Performance with no dynamic variation from beginning to end

There are six phrases. Within these, determine which line is the most serene and which has the highest tension, ensuring that dynamics are not constant. Consider many factors, such as the current key, and within each phrase, identifying notes with low and high tension to give them direction.

For example, the sixth phrase, starting from measure 28, begins on D and reaches an octave higher D in measure 30. During this, the left hand gradually separates from the right, increasing tension. Once the peak is reached, from measure 31 onwards, it gradually descends to F#, so the accompaniment should support this as well.

Also, be careful never to place an accent on the final note of each phrase.

3. Performance where the second repetition is identical to the first

Some kind of variation is desired. For the second repetition, aim to introduce some difference, such as bringing out inner voices or playing the entire section pp.

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou

Author : Akamatsu, Rintaro

Last Updated: May 28, 2020
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Clavier (German: Clavier) is a word derived from the Latin 'clavis' and was used in Baroque Germany as a general term for keyboard instruments. In pedagogical works such as the Inventions and Sinfonias and The Well-Tempered Clavier, there are not only pieces suitable for performance on the harpsichord, but also pieces that gain greater expressiveness when played on the clavichord, which allows for vibrato through the Bebung technique, or pieces that evoke the sound of an organ in one's mind. Approaching the charm of Baroque works with the rich expressiveness of the modern piano is also one of the joys of playing the piano.

BWV 721 is one of 27 chorales attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach's early period. Although it is a work for organ, its original beauty is not diminished when played on the piano. Strive for a performance that evokes the sound of an organ, making ample use of the legato pedal.

※Reference Link: Masaaki Suzuki's performance of the same piece at home

https://twitter.com/MSuzukiBCJ/status/1246737065678524416?s=20

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