Description
This is the first of the two-voice Duettos published in 1739 within Clavier-Ubung III, where they serve as brief interludes among the organ chorale preludes, though they are also frequently played on other keyboard instruments. Its tight two-voice dialogue in E minor requires clearly distinguished part-playing, with both hands trading the melody equally. At about two and a half minutes, it is a contrapuntal challenge for advanced players.
Two-voice contrapuntal pieces from Part 3 of Bach's Clavier-Übung, blending strict compositional rigor with a lively dialogue between the voices.
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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