Description
This is the first of four Duetti published in Bach's Clavier-Übung III (1739). Written for just two voices, it is a tightly woven contrapuntal piece in which a tense E minor subject is passed constantly between the parts, packing sophisticated technique into an economical texture. Though intermediate in difficulty, its longer duration demands sustained focus to keep both independent melodic lines singing clearly — an excellent study in Bach's contrapuntal craft.
Two-voice contrapuntal pieces from Part 3 of Bach's Clavier-Übung, blending strict compositional rigor with a lively dialogue between the voices.
Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Johann Sebastian Bach was the towering figure of German Baroque music, serving for decades as Cantor of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. Renowned for his mastery of counterpoint, he laid the foundations of keyboard music with works such as The Well-Tempered Clavier and the Inventions. This site includes 229 of his pieces, including numerous chorale settings and arias.
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