Js Bach

JS Bach - Little Prelude in F, BWV 927

BWV 927 (From the Notebook for Wilhelm Friedmann Bach)

Bach’s lovely Little Prelude in F is a harmonic prelude, essentially an elaborated chord progression. In this article, the basic harmonic skeleton of the piece is gradually fleshed out, allowing students to understand its simple underlying structure, and to work systematically on its various layers.... Read >>

JS Bach - Prelude in C minor, BWV 999

ABRSM Grade 4 – A1

Built from a harmonic progression and originally written for lute we can recreate some of the resonance of that instrument either by short touches of pedal, or by overholding some notes of the broken chords. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 4 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano Online Academy materials are based is © by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and is reproduced by permission of... Read >>

JS Bach - Sinfonia No.15 in B minor, BWV 801

ABRSM Grade 7 – A1

Bach’s aims for the Inventions and Sinfonias were to encourage composition (an understanding and appreciation of musical structure), to foster good playing in two and three parts (or voices), and above all "to arrive at a cantabile style of playing". Apart from good tone, a singing style relies on phrase shaping, an appropriate range of dynamics and colour, as well as articulation.... Read >>

JS Bach - Fantasia in C minor, BWV 906

ABRSM Grade 8 - A1

This highly chromatic and brilliant piece featuring hand crossings and running triplets shows Bach trying his hand at the new galant and expressive styles of composition that his sons were writing in. The contrasting second theme in the relative major returns in the home key after a development of the main themes, predicting Classical sonata form. Do not be intimidated by the array of ornaments, these can be organised rhythmically based on the realisations presented in the edition.... Read >>

JS Bach - Invention No.12 in A Major, BWV 783

The Two-Part Inventions of Bach were written for his son, Wilhelm Friedemann, and are as much models of compositional technique as they are studies for the equal development of both hands at the keyboard. We find two main ideas – a rhythmical, percussive motive juxtaposed with a spinning motive in semiquavers. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music from the Trinity College online store (external link). ... Read >>

JS Bach - Prelude & Fugue in E Major, BWV 854

Many players are confused by the subject of pedalling in Bach. Should we use it, or should we avoid it? While it is certainly true that none of Bach’s keyboard instruments had any type of device to sustain the sound after the finger left the key, piano sound without pedal can be dry and academic-sounding. I suggest learning the piece with no pedal until we have found the best sound, and then add short, shallow dabs of pedal in those places where we feel the need for some extra resonance or colour. ... Read >>

Step into 'The 48'

Three hundred years after their first publication, Bach’s 48 preludes and fugues are as important, fascinating and demanding as ever - every aspiring pianist should know at least a few! Beate Toyka introduces and plays each of them, giving insider tips on interpretation and technique starting with the easier works and ending with the most difficult ((click here to download the difficulty chart for all 48 preludes & fugues). ... Read >>

JS Bach - Prelude & Fugue in E Major, BWV 854

BWV854

Prelude: 3 Fugue: 4 ... Read >>

JS Bach - Prelude & Fugue in D Minor, BWV 875

BWV875

Difficulty Prelude: 3 Fugue: 3 ... Read >>