by Rebecca Cochran
The keyboard Partitas are among the most popular of Bach’s works. They are also some of the most difficult to play.
The Partita No. 2 in C minor (BWV 826) is one of my personal favorites. It comprises six movements, including the usual opening sinfonia, and continuing with four customary French-inspired dance movements of the day.
However, rather than closing with a true gigue, the ever-experimenting Bach finishes with a rollicking capriccio, more closely related to the Italian style. True to form, this capriccio relies on fugal techniques, albeit lighter (more capricious?) in character than a “strict” fugue. Bach, in his genius, blends both worlds – the seriousness of a fugue with the light-hearted fun of a gigue!
Enjoy this recording of the Capriccio by the preeminent pianist, András Schiff.
The keyboard Partitas are among the most popular of Bach’s works. They are also some of the most difficult to play.
The Partita No. 2 in C minor (BWV 826) is one of my personal favorites. It comprises six movements, including the usual opening sinfonia, and continuing with four customary French-inspired dance movements of the day.
However, rather than closing with a true gigue, the ever-experimenting Bach finishes with a rollicking capriccio, more closely related to the Italian style. True to form, this capriccio relies on fugal techniques, albeit lighter (more capricious?) in character than a “strict” fugue. Bach, in his genius, blends both worlds – the seriousness of a fugue with the light-hearted fun of a gigue!
Enjoy this recording of the Capriccio by the preeminent pianist, András Schiff.
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