Bach Isn't Boring

06 Jun 2024 @ 15:00 BST (GMT +01:00)

Was learning to play the piano synonymous with playing Bach’s music to you? Or did you grow up thinking Bach’s music is dry and difficult to play? Whether you’re a pianist or teacher, how can you foster your or your students’ desire to ‘love’ his music?

In this workshop, Beate Toyka will unravel the progression from the earliest pieces by Bach through towards the splendour of the preludes and fugues of the Well Tempered Clavier. Focussing on the challenges of contrapuntal playing, she will touch on the earliest examples of fugues in Bach’s ‘Little Preludes and Fuguettas’ and his Inventions and Sinfonias, giving practical examples and handy tips on technique and interpretation along the way.

The two-part Invention-style E minor Fugue in Book 1 will then be presented as a potential starting point for dipping your toes into the Well Tempered Clavier. This will then be followed by the D minor Fugue from Book 2 which also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the world of fugues. Three further fugues (D minor book 1, both B-flat major from books 1 & 2) will also be presented in a step-by-step approach designed to help you achieve fluency and confidence in fugue playing.

Who it’s for?

This event is aimed at pianists at an intermediate level or above who are looking for a starting point for approaching Bach’s music or exploring it on a deeper level. The workshop will also be of particular interest to teachers seeking interesting ways to introduce and inspire their students to playing Bach.

How it works

These workshops are streamed live from our studios via Zoom and all ticketholders will receive high quality videos afterwards. Therefore if you cannot join us for any of the sessions, you can watch them at your convenience at a later stage.

A list of repertoire to be featured will be sent in advance of the event and there will also be opportunities to ask Beate any questions you might have about learning, performing or teaching Bach!

---