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Invention 9 BWV 780 sounding in the key of F minor is a challenging invention to play particularly from the note reading and voice leading point of vi Show More...
Invention 9 BWV 780 sounding in the key of F minor is a challenging invention to play particularly from the note reading and voice leading point of view. There are many accidentals to read and it is easy to make music reading errors. Trombone 1 sounds an octave lower than in the original piano version and there are some octave transpositions in the trombone 2 part. This is an excellent movement to encourage good intonation in duet playing. A legato playing approach is required in the playing in what is a slow tempo and melancholy movement. Playing the F minor scale in both its melodic and harmonic form will be good preparation for playing this movement. In the sheet music score the ornaments are indicated but do not sound. Both the bass and tenor clefs have been used in the notation of the score. The realisation plays back at 56 quarter note or crotchet beats per minute. Accompaniments are in place allowing trombone players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. Trombone 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel and trombone 2 on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. In the keyboard video score, which trombonists may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation & diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent ensemble movements. Close
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Invention 9 BWV 780 arr. oboe & bassoon sounding in the key of F minor is a challenging invention to play particularly from the note reading point of Show More...
Invention 9 BWV 780 arr. oboe & bassoon sounding in the key of F minor is a challenging invention to play particularly from the note reading point of view. There are many accidentals to read and it is easy to make music reading errors. Listen to performances of the music so that the melodic and shapes are familiar. A legato playing approach is required in the playing in what is a slow tempo and melancholy movement. In the sheet music score the ornaments are indicated but do not sound. The realisation plays back at 56 quarter note or crotchet beats per minute. Accompaniments are in place allowing double reed players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The oboe sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bassoon on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. In the keyboard video score, which oboe players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation & diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. In addition, that he was not sadly. They are excellent pieces for ensemble playing. Close
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J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 arranged for oboe & bassoon duo is a work exploring the minor scale. The chromatic element in the movement is stro Show More...
J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 arranged for oboe & bassoon duo is a work exploring the minor scale. The chromatic element in the movement is strong and the accidentals make this a challenging score to both read and memorise. The best preparation for playing this movement is to play the minor scale at sounding pitch in both its forms slowly until the sound of each is familiar. In this video score ornaments are not in place. In the original piano version of the inventions the use of treble and bass clef ensures an interval distance of usually more than an octave. In this arrangement the interval distances are the same. The playback score in the arrangement for oboe & bassoon has a tempo of 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. The movement can be played at both slower and faster tempi. The inventions are concentrated demanding movements to play in an ensemble context but excellent for encouraging listening skills, good intonation and accurate playing. The movement is probably best learnt without the ornaments in place in the first instance. Legato playing is needed in a performance although there is scope to broaden the detail of how the notes are articulated. Any exaggerated playing does need to be avoided. Accompaniments are in place allowing oboe & bassoon players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The oboe sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bassoon on the other whilst the accompaniment tracks play back at 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66 and 68 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is one bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. Instrumentalists should spend time listening to performances of the work by a range of musical instruments to understanding playing approaches. Players will possibly need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. Playing levels will perhaps need to be reviewed when different instrument combinations are involved. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part Inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. When played in an ensemble context there is not much other music that can better prepare players for this type of music activity. Those learning how to use music notation software and improve their listening skills will find this an excellent study to copy simply because of the many accidentals that require attention from the listening and notation point of view. Accurate notation will suggest an excellent understanding of the staff notation system. Close
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J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 BWV 785 arranged for tenor saxophone duo sounding in the original key of Bb. This is a challenging rhythmical work and a mo Show More...
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 BWV 785 arranged for tenor saxophone duo sounding in the original key of Bb. This is a challenging rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitute for ornamentation. This is an excellent movement to improve ensemble playing and intonation requiring saxophone players to both listen to each other and to be constantly aware of the eighth note or quaver pulse. Players need to have a vision and understanding of the phrasing needed before playing this movement. As the tenor saxophone 2 has been transposed down an octave the two parts are much closer to each other in the octave sense. Indivual parts appropriately transposed are appended to the full score. Bach’s music is from the baroque era in music history and presents the added challenge that there is generally minimal score detail in place in sheet music scores. What is important is to play the note values as written and acknowledge rests notated in the score. The realisation plays back at 50 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. The music editor suggests playing the movement with an awareness of an eighth note or quaver pulse. An 8/8 time signature would in many ways be very appropriate for this movement. There are a number of octave transpositions in the tenor saxophone 2 part enabling the part to be kept to the instruments range. Accompaniments are in place allowing tenor saxophone players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. Tenor saxophone 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the tenor saxophone 2 on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 59 and 61 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is one bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. There are generally similar approaches to playing this invention although instrumentalists should spend time listening to performances of the work by a range of musical instruments and instrument combinations on streaming media. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part Inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing secure performing techniques whatever the instrument being played. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 5 BWV 776 in Eb is a dynamic and lively movement featuring patterns and shapes that have a strong unifying element. In the Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 5 BWV 776 in Eb is a dynamic and lively movement featuring patterns and shapes that have a strong unifying element. In the sheet music video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel the ornaments have been written out in full to clarify how they should be played. In this energetic and lively invention the lower mordent is a particular features. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. As for many of the inventions it is possibly a good idea to play the first two bars (possibly 4 bars) until they are known thoroughly before progressing to the rest of the movement. The inventions provide excellent opportunities for musicians to improve and develop a secure keyboard technique. Suggested fingering in this invention is frequently based on the direction in which the hands are moving particularly relevant for this movement because both hands are busy. An engaging and dynamic performance piece that needs to played at around 88 - 100 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. On the compositional processes front the sequence is quite an evident compositional process in this invention Remember that music needs to be performed slowly before it can be performed quickly. The last bar has been edited to represent current performance practice. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. On a piano or weighted keyboard there is an opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Keyboard players will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms to get a sense of the importance of this aspect of piano playing. A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention 2 BWV 773 is an intermediate level movement in the key of C minor. It needs to be played with a legato touch. The playback t Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 2 BWV 773 is an intermediate level movement in the key of C minor. It needs to be played with a legato touch. The playback tempo of the realisation is 52 beats per minute (bpm) and the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments when learning the piece. Like many of the inventions it that can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of different instrument combinations. To understand how the ornaments should be played keyboard players can refer to the sheet music video on the PlentyMusic You Tube channel. In this video the ornaments have been written out in full to clarify how they should be played. The inventions composed in two parts or voices are concentrated and demanding movements to play. In these works it is important to keep to keep to the length of the written note values Keyboard players will need to their fingers close to the keys and play with a lightness in the hands. Pianists will perhaps recognise that the weaker fingers need some extra practice and to solve this issue the music editor suggests practising thirds. There is opportunity to explore right hand over left playing (bar 18) and changing fingering on a repeated note. The opening shape or motif is quite long and the mood of this invention is quite melancholy with a characteristic minor 7th interval. The movement needs to played evenly and consistently with a legato touch and keyboard players will need to play with a lightness in the hands. Ornaments are in place but possibly can be omitted in the early stages of learning the piece. The inventions were originally intended to be played on the harpsichord and there is more than one suggestion of a two manual instrument in this particular invention. Composed in the key of C minor the key journey is confined to the closely related keys of the dominant (bar 7), relative minor (bar 15) and sub-dominant (bar 20). Keys, understand, are not always established as such but are described as passing modulations in the baroque era. A key or change of key is generally thought of being established when there is a cadence which tends to be more the case in music from the classical era. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention 2 BWV 773 is an intermediate level movement in the key of C minor. It needs to be played with a legato touch. The playback t Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 2 BWV 773 is an intermediate level movement in the key of C minor. It needs to be played with a legato touch. The playback tempo of the realisation is 52 beats per minute (bpm) and the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments when learning the piece. Like many of the inventions it that can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of different instrument combinations. To understand how the ornaments should be played keyboard players can refer to the sheet music video on the PlentyMusic You Tube channel. In this video the ornaments have been written out in full to clarify how they should be played. The inventions composed in two parts or voices are concentrated and demanding movements to play. In these works it is important to keep to keep to the length of the written note values Keyboard players will need to their fingers close to the keys and play with a lightness in the hands. Pianists will perhaps recognise that the weaker fingers need some extra practice and to solve this issue the music editor suggests practising thirds. There is opportunity to explore right hand over left playing (bar 18) and changing fingering on a repeated note. The opening shape or motif is quite long and the mood of this invention is quite melancholy with a characteristic minor 7th interval. The movement needs to played evenly and consistently with a legato touch and keyboard players will need to play with a lightness in the hands. Ornaments are in place but possibly can be omitted in the early stages of learning the piece. The inventions were originally intended to be played on the harpsichord and there is more than one suggestion of a two manual instrument in this particular invention. Composed in the key of C minor the key journey is confined to the closely related keys of the dominant (bar 7), relative minor (bar 15) and sub-dominant (bar 20). Keys, understand, are not always established as such but are described as passing modulations in the baroque era. A key or change of key is generally thought of being established when there is a cadence which tends to be more the case in music from the classical era. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. Close
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J. S. Bach’s Invention 15 BWV 786 in B minor is a deliberate and purposeful movement possessing a haunting quality whilst allowing keyboard players Show More...
J. S. Bach’s Invention 15 BWV 786 in B minor is a deliberate and purposeful movement possessing a haunting quality whilst allowing keyboard players to explore keyboard touches where notes are articulated staccato and/or staccatissimo. The realisation plays back at 72 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. A movement that needs to be played with intention, consistency and purposefulness During practice routines keyboard players can vary their playing approach to encompass the different piano articulations that can be used playing the movement. The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and more or less and imitate current modern performance practice. Ornaments are applied consistently although there is scope for players to make some additions particularly at important cadence points in movements where the option of more notes in the cadential trills can be explored. In the video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
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Invention 12 BWV 783 is in the key of A and is a movement that communicates purpose and intention. The music editor suggests that keyboard players sh Show More...
Invention 12 BWV 783 is in the key of A and is a movement that communicates purpose and intention. The music editor suggests that keyboard players should learn the movement in the first instance without the ornaments in place being played indicated in the sheet music score. What is important in delivering the intention of the music and the music only really becomes alive at the tempo of 68 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet notes to the minute. At the same time it would be lovely to know what the tempo this invention was in Bach’s own time when there was no vision of the piano as becoming the keyboard instrument of choice The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and imitate current modern performance practice. The edited music score has suggested fingering in place although when it comes to playing the more complicated trills keyboard players will need to refer to the sheet music video score on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel to work out appropriate fingers to use for he playing of these ornaments. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. Many keyboard players whether pianists or harpsichordists approach this invention as if they are playing a virtuoso work which in many ways is surprisingly because the movement was composed well before the time that this concept was suggested attributed to describe the playing of N. Paganini. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
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J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 is a work exploring the scale of G minor. The chromatic element is quite strong and the resulting accidentals make Show More...
J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 is a work exploring the scale of G minor. The chromatic element is quite strong and the resulting accidentals make this a challenging score to read. The playback score has a tempo of 64 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. It is a movement that can be played at an even slower tempo than 64 bpm. Legato playing is needed in a performance although there is scope to broaden the detail of how the notes are articulated. Any exaggerated playing should be avoided. The music editor has avoided ornaments occurring in both voices at the same time. The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and more or less and imitate current modern performance practice. Ornaments are applied consistently although there is scope for players to make some additions particularly at important cadence points in movements where the option of more notes in the cadential trill can be explored. This is particularly the case in music played at relative slow tempi. In the video score the ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. This invention provides an excellent opportunity for players to become familiar with the scale of G minor in both its harmonic and melodic minor forms. Players will possibly need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. Playing levels will perhaps need to be reviewed when different instrument combinations are involved. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. When played in an ensemble context there is not much other music that can better prepare players for this type of music activity. Those learning how to use music notation software will find this another excellent study to copy simply because of the many accidentals that require attention. Close
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Invention 10 BWV 781 in the key of G is a challenging invention to play simply from how individual keyboard players approach how to articulate the no Show More...
Invention 10 BWV 781 in the key of G is a challenging invention to play simply from how individual keyboard players approach how to articulate the notes point. It is interesting to observe the approaches to playing this movement. Many play the invention articulating the eighth note or quavers staccato while others play the movement with a legato touch. The former approach requires a lightness in the hands and can be a challenging to play because of the tension that is created in the hands and wrist. Players should listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what are really considered to be basic learning pieces. The best way of learning anything about music is by listening although in this modern world video footage now offers a very supportive and complementary medium particularly when camera angles allow viewers to see what musician’s hands are during a performance. In the video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. Articulation markings are also indicated in this particular score. The music editor has avoided placing ornaments occurring at the same time in the two voices. The long trills occurring in bar 20 (treble clef) and bar 23 (bass clef) need to be played in a rhythmical and controlled manner with the left hand trill mirroring the right hand. The suggested fingering in place on the edited music score is frequently determined by the direction in which the music and the hands are moving. Remember that movements cannot be played quickly until they be played slowly! The music editor has chosen not to double ornaments where they occur in both voices simply because it lessens and contradicts the contrast in the parts. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 9 BWV 780 is a slow tempo movement in the key of F minor. A haunting and melancholy movement, the realisation plays back at Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 9 BWV 780 is a slow tempo movement in the key of F minor. A haunting and melancholy movement, the realisation plays back at 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. It is a movement that can be played at an even slower tempo. Legato playing is also needed in a performance. The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and more or less and imitate current modern performance practice. Ornaments are applied consistently although there is scope for players to make some additions particularly at important cadence points in movements where the option of more notes in the trill can be explored. In the sheet music video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. Players may well possibly need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar. Playing the scale of F minor in the harmonic and melodic versions will provide a valuable assist in preparing this invention for performance. F minor in much of J.S.Bach’s music is a key identified with melancholy and pathos particularly with a falling or sighing motif as heard in the opening of this invention. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. When played in an ensemble context there is not much other music that can better prepare players for this type of music activity. The intention in the duo arrangement is to help players become better ensemble players and to grow as musicians playing music as close to the composer’s intentions as possible. These are concentrated and demanding movements to play. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. Those learning how to use music notation software will find this an excellent and frustrating study to copy simply because of the many accidentals that require attention. A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 3 BWV 773 in the key of D offers rhythmic challenges to the keyboard player. It is an intermediate level movement with the Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 3 BWV 773 in the key of D offers rhythmic challenges to the keyboard player. It is an intermediate level movement with the playback tempo of the realisation being 56 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the beats per minute (bpm) It is best to play the work with a sense of there being one beat to the bar. There are three scores available in the download i) and edited music score with suggested fingering in place and with the ornaments written out as in the sheet music video ii) a plain score and iii) an edited sheet music score with suggested fingering in place and the ornaments indicated. The music editor suggests that this a challenging invention to play. For those wishing for clarification as to how the ornaments should be played refer to the video score on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel. The ornaments are probably best omitted when learning the piece whilst fingers need to be kept as close as possible to the piano keys. Suggested fingering is in place in the edited score. The inventions are concentrated and demanding movements to play for the intermediate level player. This is an interesting Invention to study because of the wide variation in how the movement is performed particularly from the tempo point of view and the approach to playing the ornaments. Many pianists for example trill the long tied notes beginning at bar 26. The points of imitation at the start of the phrases are something that keyboard players need to particularly communicate in their playing. The Inventions benefit from being played with a lightness in the hands and consideration as to how notes are articulated. Exaggerated playing should be avoided and is not appropriate to this style. The limitations of the realisation is that the weight distribution between the hands is not truly represented in how the music should be played on the piano. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. A plain score is appended to the edited music score. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention 7 BWV 778 is in the key of E minor. In the opening section the phrases end on the first eighth note quaver beat of the bar. Pl Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 7 BWV 778 is in the key of E minor. In the opening section the phrases end on the first eighth note quaver beat of the bar. Playing the E minor scale in both its harmonic and melodic forms will provide excellent preparation for playing this invention. Bach’s inventiveness is usually demonstrated in formal templates familiar to him and those either playing or listening to his music. Both vocal and instrumental models are used. The music editor believes the best way of approaching the playing of this work is with an essentially legato touch with some variation in touch in place in the bars where the line is in eighth notes or quavers and ornaments are not being played. In all music beauty of sound combined with interpretative intention must be aim of the musician(s) involved. One of the most interesting aspects of this invention is the variety of performance approaches that are demonstrated particularly by keyboard players. Some articulate the notes with great consideration while others interpret the movement as if it is a vocal work with an approach suggesting a declamatory delivery. The long trills are a challenge but can be omitted on the piano which has a sustaining quality unlike the harpsichord for which the work was primarily intended and the main domestic keyboard instrument of Bach’s own time. When introduced they need to be played rhythmically and with an intention suggesting the keyboard player is in control. The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and more or less and imitate current modern performance practice. Ornaments are applied consistently although there is scope for players to make some additions particularly at important cadence points in movements where the option of more notes in the trill can be explored. In the sheet music video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. The realisation plays back at 72 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Players will perhaps need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. Close
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Invention 6 BWV 777 in the key of E is a movement that features figuration and an exploration of shapes rather than ornamentation. The two voices are Show More...
Invention 6 BWV 777 in the key of E is a movement that features figuration and an exploration of shapes rather than ornamentation. The two voices are frequently moving in contrary motion. Legato playing is suggested for this invention and the realisation plays back at 32 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet beats to the minute. The repeats whilst indicated in the sheet music score are not played in the mp3 realisation. This invention sounds so easy on the ear but it is a nightmare to read because of the accidentals. The reading of the notes and accidentals requires attention especially in the second section and note values need to played accurately. There are opportunities to explore changing fingers on a note technique and some of the leaps need to be managed when preparing a performance of this score. Remember that all good piano playing is about good preparation. Sliding a finger from a black to a white note is another technique that is appropriate when playing this invention. The familiar compositional processes of imitation, inversion, sequence feature strongly in the movement. It is wise for players to listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what are considered to be learning pieces. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. A plain sheet music score is attached to the edited music score in the pdf download. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 1 BWV 772 is an intermediate level movement can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of instrument Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 1 BWV 772 is an intermediate level movement can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of instrument combinations. In this arrangement for two classical guitars accompaniments are in place enabling guitar players to enjoy ensemble practice as part of their music practice routines. They play at 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 beats per minute (bpm). Guitar 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel while Guitar 2 sounds on the other side of the stereo channel. The music has also been transposed from the originally key of C to F purely on the basis that this explores the appropriate range of the instrument. Remember too that the guitar is a transposing instrument and sounds an octave lower than written. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce and inform musicians of the composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure technique as well as providing excellent ensemble playing opportunities. The playback tempo of the realisation is 60 beats per minute (bpm) and the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments when learning the piece. For those wishing clarification on how the ornaments should t be played refer to the piano version video score on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel. In this video score the ornaments have been written out in full to clarify how they should be played. The music editor suggests that they are probably not such a relevant addition in this arrangement. The music score is available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website whilst the accompaniments can be downloaded as mp3 files. The sheet music download has a Tab score in place on the appended indivual parts. The key journey of the movement is confined to the closely related keys of the dominant (bar 7), relative minor (bar 15) and sub-dominant (bar 20). Keys, understand, are not always established as such but are described as passing modulations in the baroque era. A key or change of key is generally thought of being established when there is a cadence which tends to be more the case in music from the classical era. Tempo is one of the most challenging questions when playing the Bach’s 15 Two part inventions. The music editor suggests that there is often a tendency to play these movements too quickly. The opening motif or melodic idea is quite short in this work whilst musical ideas are repeated and imitated by the two voices. The inversion of musical ideas is a particularly strong feature in this invention. The use of sequence is another compositional process readily identifiable. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 1 BWV 772 is an intermediate level movement can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of instrument Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 1 BWV 772 is an intermediate level movement can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of instrument combinations. In this arrangement for violin & cello accompaniments are in place enabling violinists and cellists to enjoy ensemble practice as part of their music practice routines. They play at 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 beats per minute (bpm). The violin sounds on one side of the stereo channel whilst the cello sounds on the other channel. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce and inform musicians of the composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure technique. The playback tempo of the realisation is 60 beats per minute (bpm) and the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments when learning the piece. For those wishing clarification on how the ornaments are to be played refer to the piano version video score on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel. In this video score the ornaments have been written out in full to clarify how they should be played. The music score is available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website whilst the accompaniments can be downloaded as mp3 files. Composed in the key of C the key journey is confined to the closely related keys of the dominant (bar 7), relative minor (bar 15) and sub-dominant (bar 20). Keys, understand, are not always established as such but are described as passing modulations in the baroque era. A key or change of key is generally thought of being established when there is a cadence which tends to be more the case in music from the classical era. Tempo is one of the most challenging questions when playing the Bach’s 15 Two part inventions. The music editor suggests that there is often a tendency to play these movements too quickly. The opening motif or melodic idea is quite short in this work whilst musical ideas are repeated and imitated by the two voices. The inversion of musical ideas is a particularly strong feature in this invention. The use of sequence is another compositional process readily identifiable. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 1 BWV 772 is an intermediate level movement can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of instrument Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 1 BWV 772 is an intermediate level movement can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of instrument combinations. In the video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel the ornaments have been written out in full. to clarify how they should be played. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. The playback tempo of the realisation is 60 beats per minute (bpm) and the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments when learning the piece. A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. Composed in the key of C the key journey is confined to the closely related keys of the dominant (bar 7), relative minor (bar 15) and sub-dominant (bar 20). Keys, understand, are not always established as such but are described as passing modulations in the baroque era. A key or change of key is generally thought of being established when there is a cadence which tends to be more the case in music from the classical era. Tempo is one of the most challenging questions when playing the Bach’s 15 Two part inventions. The music editor suggests that there is often a tendency to play these movements too quickly. The opening motif or melodic idea is quite short in this work whilst musical ideas are repeated and imitated by the two voices. The inversion of musical ideas is a particularly strong feature in this invention. The use of sequence is another compositional process readily identifiable. Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 in F is one of the most popular of the two part inventions and available as a free sheet music score from PlentyMusic Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 in F is one of the most popular of the two part inventions and available as a free sheet music score from PlentyMusic. Cadential preparation is a strong feature and because is a relatively familiar keyboard work pianists will need to ensure that it has been well prepared before a performance. The realisation plays back at 96 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Many play it faster and interestingly it is an invention without ornaments. Avoid playing the movement too loudly and keep a lightness in the hands. Remember that music cannot be played quickly until it can be played slowly. Keyboard players need to choose a tempo at which the whole movement can be played consistently. It is a good test piece for players because this piece can very easily run away with itself requiring a tempo adjustment in the challenging sixteenth /semi-quaver sections. Keyboard players will need to keep a lightness in the hands if they are to play the movement at tempo. Fingers will also need to be close to the keys. Fingering choices dependent on the direction in which the fingers and hands are moving also has a context with this particular invention. An uplifting and appealing invention giving keyboard players the opportunity to combine legato and detached or staccato playing. Keyboard players are in familar territory both with the harmonic outline or key journey and the compositional processes used This invention generally invites more of a consistent approach and vision which is suggested and supported by the recordings available. Again it is wise for players to listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what really are considered to be learning pieces. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
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Invention 4 BWV 775 in D minor is an appealing work in the key of D minor and features an opening motif or melodic shape that combines stepwise moveme Show More...
Invention 4 BWV 775 in D minor is an appealing work in the key of D minor and features an opening motif or melodic shape that combines stepwise movement with the interval of a falling diminished seventh. The realisation plays back at 60 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet beats to the minute. Playing the D minor scale in its harmonic and melodic forms would be excellent preparation for playing this invention. The long trills bar 19 and bar 29 need to be played rhythmically and with control. There is some debate as to the notes to be played in the trill commencing in bar 29. The music editor suggests an F natural but many alternate an F# with the E In the video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. This is an invention where it is interesting to observe the different approaches to playing the movement. Many play the invention articulating the eighth note or quavers with a detached staccato while others play the movement with a legato touch. The former approach requires a lightness in the hands and can be a challenging because of the tension created especially if the movement is played at a fast tempo. Whilst there is considerable contrast to the tempo that the invention is played remember that movements cannot be played quickly until they be played slowly! Valuable time can be spent on streaming media listening to and perhaps watching different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what really are considered to be essential repertoire for players in their early years of playing a keyboard instrument. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The key journey that features in this movement embraces the closley related keys of the relative major, sub-dominant and the V7 – VI progression bars 48 - 49 further adds to the harmonic journey. Imitation, inversion and sequence are all in evidence as compositional processes. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. A plain score is appended to the edited music score. Close
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J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitute for ornamentation Bach played his Show More...
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitute for ornamentation Bach played his music on mechanical instruments and for the modern player much can be learnt about playing by occasionally practicing on a silent keyboard. This could be a keyboard or even an organ which is a quite an appropriate instrument on which to play the Bach inventions. A lively movement which is excellent for improving strength in the weaker 4th and 5 fingers. Keyboard players will need to be aware of how the phrases are shaped and some of the leaps will need some attention. A lightness in the playing touch and hands is essential if the invention is to played at tempo without the hands becoming tense. Ornaments are omitted in this movement but make way for some exacting and rhythmic figuration. The realisation plays back at 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. There are different approaches to playing this invention and keyboard players should spend time listening to performances of the work on streaming media.. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. This is an important aspect of piano playing. A plain score is attached to the edited music score, Close
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J.S.Bach’s Invention 13 is in the key of A minor and is a movement with some quite delightful shapes to play with the diminished 7th chord reference Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 13 is in the key of A minor and is a movement with some quite delightful shapes to play with the diminished 7th chord referenced in some of the patterns. This invention can and is played in different ways particularly from the point of view of tempo. As in all the inventions it is a requirement to play accurate note values. Ends of phrases are deserving of particular attention. A legato touch is suggested and players will need consider how they approach phrasing the shapes of the music in a performance. Singing or humming through the lines quietly will help clarify to instrumentalists how the music is to be played. In the edited music score suggested fingering is in placed above the notes in the treble clef and below them in the bass clef. Often in this movement the suggested fingering is determined by the direction in which the music is moving. Keyboard players would be wise to spend time playing the opening bars several time before proceeding to playing the whole movement. Remember that there are often references and suggestions in the Bach invention scores that the intended instrument on which they were to be played had two manuals. Ornaments are not featured in this movement whilst the realisation plays back at 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Time spent listening to this work on streaming media will be invaluable to players wishing to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. This is an important aspect of piano playing but one that needs to be developed and nurtured and understood in terms of playing a wide repertoire of music. An invention suited to being played by a wide range of instrument combinations possibly in combining instruments belonging to different instrument families. A plain score is attached to the edited sheet music score. Close
