Invention No 4 in D minor BWV 775

History

Invention No 4 in D minor BWV 775 belongs to Bach's two-part Inventions. The earlier teaching notebook for Wilhelm Friedemann was begun in Köthen on 22 January 1720. Bach made a separate fair copy of the collection in 1723, revising its presentation and order. These dates mark stages in the collection's history, not the exact day this individual piece was composed. The collection reached print in 1801, long after Bach's lifetime.

Sources

• henle.de
• bachvereniging.nl

What to listen for

1. 1

   A rising line alone

   The upper voice rises through D, E, F, G, A and B-flat in even short notes. The lower staff waits. Hear the rising shape as a single idea.

2. 2

   The line turns downward

   The upper figure turns through C-sharp, B-flat, A, G, F and E while the lower staff remains silent. Keep the line connected across the change of direction.

3. 3

   The lower voice takes the idea

   The lower voice begins the rising D-based figure while the upper voice moves in broader notes through F, A and D. Listen for the new entry without losing the upper line.

4. 4

   A downward answer below

   The lower voice now carries the descending figure while the upper voice continues in broader notes. Follow each line independently through the short bar.

How to practise it

Recognise the opening figure when the lower voice answers it.

1. Keep the opening ascent even.
2. Read the altered C-sharp carefully.
3. Hear the lower answer without shortening the upper line.

How hard is it

About this piece

Collection

A conversation in two voices

Licence

Public Domain Mark

Source

musescore.com

More by Johann Sebastian Bach

1. 1Prelude in C major, BWV 846Level 4, estimatedOpen to everyone
2. 2Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
3. 3Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971: III. PrestoLevel 9, estimatedWith Maestro