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The short answer
Gigue, French Suite No. 4, BWV 815 is a gigue by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.
- gigue
- Baroque
- Key of E-flat major
- dancing
- playful
- hand independence
- voicing
Also known as French Suite No. 4 in E-flat major, BWV 815; J.S. Bach.
History
One upper voice begins while the other voices rest. A second upper line then enters above it, so the tune is no longer only the highest moving part. Listen for the conversation inside the texture.
Sources
What to listen for
A voice from within
The first B-flat and E-flat figure belongs to the inner encoded voice while other lines rest. Listen to it as a melody in its own right.
A second voice above it
In the third position a higher E-flat and B-flat figure enters while the earlier voice continues. Keep both phrases audible.
How to practise it
- Keep sustained and moving voices audible without making the supporting layer heavy.
- Practise the independent lines separately, then combine their different rhythmic roles.
How hard is it
The opening assigns the first figure to an inner encoded voice and adds another upper voice in the third position. Later shorter subdivisions and overlapping lines support an upper-intermediate estimate.
About this piece
- Licence
- cc-zero
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Johann Sebastian Bach
- Prelude in C major, BWV 846Level 4, estimatedOpen to everyone
- Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971: III. PrestoLevel 9, estimatedWith Maestro
