We have a collection of 7 arrangements for Johann Sebastian Bach - Gigue from Partita in E minor, BWV 830
Which Bach keyboard partita concludes with a powerfully fugal gigue in unusual 8/4 meter? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
Johann Sebastian Bach's Partita in E minor, BWV 830, is one of his six keyboard partitas. Here are some interesting facts about this particular composition:
Composition Date: Bach likely composed the Partita in E minor between 1725 and 1730 during his time in Leipzig.
Structure: The partita consists of seven movements: Allemande, Corrente, Air, Sarabande, Tempo di Gavotta, Gigue, and Passepied.
Key Characteristics: The E minor Partita is known for its expressive and introspective qualities, typical of music in the key of E minor. Each movement showcases Bach's mastery of counterpoint and keyboard technique.
Influence of Dance: Like many Baroque suites, the Partita incorporates various dance forms. The Allemande and Corrente are traditional dances, while the Air and Sarabande have a more lyrical and slower character.
Tempo di Gavotta: This movement, Tempo di Gavotta, is distinctive for its lively and dance-like character. The gavotte was a popular dance in the Baroque era, and Bach's interpretation of it in this partita is both charming and technically challenging.
Gigue: The final movement, Gigue, is a fast and lively dance form often used as the concluding movement in Baroque suites. Bach's Gigue in this partita is virtuosic and showcases his ability to create intricate and exciting keyboard textures.
Harmonic Innovation: Bach's Partita in E minor demonstrates his mastery of harmony and modulation. He explores various tonalities within the structure of the partita, creating a rich and varied musical experience.
Keyboard Technique: The Partita in E minor is demanding in terms of keyboard technique, with intricate ornamentation, rapid passage work, and contrapuntal elements that challenge the performer's skill.
Legacy: Bach's keyboard partitas, including the one in E minor, continue to be cherished by musicians and audiences alike. They represent a pinnacle of Baroque keyboard music and are frequently performed and recorded.
Expression and Emotion: The Partita in E minor is notable for its emotional depth and expression. Bach's ability to convey a wide range of feelings within the framework of a keyboard suite is a testament to his unparalleled skill as a composer.