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Baroque · burlesca

Burlesca, Partita No. 3, BWV 827

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 6, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A partita preserved in the Bach family music book. Burlesca, Partita No. 3, BWV 827 is a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 6, an estimate.

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  • burlesca
  • Baroque
  • playful

Also known as Burlesca: Partita No. 3 in A minor, BWV 827; J.S. Bach Partita No. 3 5. Burlesca.

History

Burlesca, Partita No. 3 in A minor, BWV 827 is part of Bach's A-minor third keyboard Partita. The work appears in Anna Magdalena Bach's second notebook, begun in 1725, before its later publication as the third partita. A family music book and a printed edition preserve different stages in a work's life. The notebook year is evidence of that early setting, not proof that every movement was composed in 1725.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Repeated-note gestures begin the movement

    Hear the opening repeated notes as connected gestures before the climbing continuation.

  2. The continuation climbs toward two endings

    The first half rises toward distinct endings. Follow the climb without treating both endings as successive visits.

  3. Changed pitch groups broaden the next span

    Related gestures return in changed pitches and a longer continuation. Recognise the opening shape through the altered colour.

  4. Sequential motion gathers into the close

    Sequences drive the second half toward its last repeat. Hear the direction across the individual figures.

How to practise it

Keep the short figure recognisable when it moves into the lower line.

  1. Make short and longer values distinct.
  2. Keep lower rests clear.
  3. Listen for the changed active layer.

How hard is it

Level 6, estimated

The upper ornamented figure transfers to the lower staff while the upper part simplifies. Balancing the transferred figure against chord arrivals and rests requires independent control.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Johann Sebastian Bach, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Licence
CC0
Source
musescore.com

More by Johann Sebastian Bach

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

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Keep the short figure recognisable when it moves into the lower line.

Practise it in PlayPiano