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Thompson, John Sylvanus : Second Piano Accompaniments to Five Two-Part Bach Inventions
Work Overview
First Publisher:Willis Music
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:Reduction/Arrangement
Total Playing Time:7 min 00 sec
Original/Related Work: Bach, Johann Sebastian 《Invention》
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: December 24, 2021
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
This work by Thompson consists of five pieces selected from Bach's Two-Part Inventions, to which a second piano part has been added. For the study of polyphonic music, it has been and still is common to begin with the "Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach" as an introduction, and then proceed to the Two-Part Inventions. For many learners, the Inventions serve as their first encounter with serious polyphonic music, but lessons often stagnate due to their abstract nature and the resulting difficulty in approaching them. Thompson's work aims to alleviate this "initial stumbling block" as much as possible. The second piano part written by Thompson employs orthodox methods such as reinforcing bass notes, expanding harmonies, and adding obbligato melodies, making it an excellent arrangement that adds color and richness to the original pieces. Any intrusive interplay with the original pieces has been intentionally avoided. Learners can concentrate on the original pieces with confidence, supported by a rich sonic background, without unnecessary hindrance. The published score is in score format, and the original pieces also feature tempo indications and articulations added by Thompson. Thompson himself recommends that it be played by student and teacher, or by students together, and used as a recital piece.
- No. 1 in C major, 4/4 time, Allegro
- No. 4 in D minor, 3/8 time, Allegro moderato
- No. 8 in F major, 3/4 time, Vivace
- No. 10 in G major, 9/8 time, À la Gigue
- No. 14 in B-flat major, 4/4 time, Allegretto