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The short answer
Bourrée, French Suite No. 6, BWV 817 is a bourree by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 5, an estimate.
- bourree
- Baroque
- Key of E major
- dancing
- playful
- hand independence
- voicing
Also known as French Suite No. 6 in E major, BWV 817; J. S. Bach.
History
Two short notes prepare the upper phrase, then the lower voice starts moving in eighths underneath. Longer upper notes leave room for that activity. Keep the rhythm buoyant without making the lower line heavy.
Sources
What to listen for
A small preparation
G-sharp and A lead toward B after the opening rests. Hear them as a lead-in rather than a new heavy beat.
Activity below longer notes
The lower line continues in eighths while the melody uses quarters. Listen for the independent motion that keeps the dance alive.
How to practise it
- Practise the independent lines separately, then combine their different rhythmic roles.
- Keep sustained and moving voices audible without making the supporting layer heavy.
How hard is it
The opening contrasts upper quarters and short gestures with moving lower eighths after a delayed entry. Coordination across two active voices supports an 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
