The six Partitas (BWV 825-830) are part of Bach's
Clavier-Übung, but were published singly, beginning in
1726 with this B flat major effort. A new partita
appeared each year thereafter until 1731, when the
whole collection was issued. Each of the six is a suite
containing allemandes, sarabandes, minuets, and various
other dances and numbers. The B flat major Partita
consists of seven short movements, the first being a
praeludium, a moderately paced piece so typical of
Bach's music in its statel...(+)
The six Partitas (BWV 825-830) are part of Bach's
Clavier-Übung, but were published singly, beginning in
1726 with this B flat major effort. A new partita
appeared each year thereafter until 1731, when the
whole collection was issued. Each of the six is a suite
containing allemandes, sarabandes, minuets, and various
other dances and numbers. The B flat major Partita
consists of seven short movements, the first being a
praeludium, a moderately paced piece so typical of
Bach's music in its stately confidence, serene joy, and
deftly wrought contrapuntal writing. There follow an
allemande, corrente (courante), sarabande, and gigue
which comprise the standard sequence of dances that
make up a partita. Actually, Bach inserted two brief
minuets between the sarabande and gigue.
The Allemande is lively and brimming with thematic
activity, contrapuntal elements abounding in subtle
detail, the music racing by breathlessly under beams of
sunshine. The corrente is a bit shorter than the two
previous movements. It, too, is lively, but lighter in
mood and more carefree than the allemande. The ensuing
sarabande is gentle in its serenity, graceful in its
slow pace, and ultimately mesmerizing in the
near-transparency of its subtly crafted textures. At
nearly four minutes, this is the longest of the seven
movements. The two lively minuets that ensue are light
and playful, the second following the first without
pause. They are imaginatively wrought pieces and serve
as a kind of interlude before the arrival of the gigue.
Each lasts a bit under a minute. The gigue is rhythmic
and fast-paced, breathless in its graceful drive and
bouncy manner. It is an eventful minute-and-a-half and
the perfect crown to this suite.
Although originally written for Harpsichord. I created
this Arrangement of the Sarabande from the Partita in
Bb Major (BWV 825 No. 4) for Concert (Pedal) Harp.
PARTITION