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Baroque · gigue

Gigue, Partita No. 3, BWV 827

Johann Sebastian Bach · Level 7, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A partita preserved in the Bach family music book. Gigue, Partita No. 3, BWV 827 is a gigue by Johann Sebastian Bach from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

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  • gigue
  • Baroque
  • dancing

Also known as Gigue: Partita No. 3 in A minor, BWV 827; J.S. Bach Partita No. 3 7. Gigue.

History

Gigue, 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. A pickup starts layered rise and fall

    The opening contour rises and falls within layered voices. Listen for their independent motion.

  2. Sequences change registers toward the repeat

    Sequential figures extend through changing placement. Follow the phrase into its first closing boundary.

  3. The layered texture expands again

    The later continuation grows fuller and stronger. Hear the renewed layers above the continuing lower movement.

  4. Higher motion completes the second half

    A higher continuation leads into the final repeat. Hear its closing direction beyond the preceding lower passages.

How to practise it

Group the exposed eighth-note line before the lower entry.

  1. Practise groups of three eighths, then connect two groups without pausing.
  2. Practise the lower entry from its preceding rests, then add it to the upper continuation.
  3. Connect the examined opening at a comfortable tempo only when its separate layers feel settled.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

The exposed eighth-note figure spans registers before the lower part enters. Clear grouping, register movement and control of the entry are opening demands; full contrapuntal demands need separate review.

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

Group the exposed eighth-note line before the lower entry.

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