Bach Italian Concerto, Sinfonia, and Fugue

Author: Zhou Wei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: The Italian Concerto is one of the few Bach compositions marked with original dynamic indications forte and piano (during Bach's time, the abbreviations f and p were not yet in use). The contrast in dynamic levels can be expressed on a double-manual harpsichord. The upper manual is a one-key-two-string device (with two strings of different lengths), producing octave double stops with a stronger volume; while the lower manual is a one-key-one-string device, producing single notes with a weaker volume. On some harpsichords, the two manuals can be connected. The sound of the lower manual can be layered onto the upper manual, resulting in a greater volume. This is precisely why this solo piece can imitate the style of a concerto. Sections marked with forte in both upper and lower staves indicate the full ensemble (Tutti); while sections marked with piano in both upper and lower staves refer to the solo (Solo) or ensemble performance of the instrument. The performer should use good taste and judgment to handle these sections, rather than mechanically playing loud or soft. The various dynamic changes within these sections should not be exaggerated too much, as this may disrupt the work's basic structure. When a pianist encounters a section where one hand is marked forte and the other hand is marked piano, they should use appropriate dynamics, ensuring that one hand's sound is slightly more prominent than the other throughout the passage. In the second movement, Bach only marked forte for the right hand and piano for the left hand at the beginning. The upper voice is written in the style of a solo instrument, while the left-hand part is a two-part accompaniment. This book is a collection of instrumental pieces for piano performance, including: performance suggestions; The Italian Concerto; Fantasia and Fugue in D minor.