Bach: Sinfonias in D minor and E minor - Bradley Lehman

Two of Bach's three-part inventions, analyzed and performed by Bradley Lehman (harpsichord).

The analyses focus especially on the way Bach modulated: by swapping one note out of a scale and replacing it with the sharp (or flat) version of the same note name.

For example, within an F major scale (F-G-A-Bb-C-D-E), when a C# appears and replaces the C, the listener's ear reorganizes the notes to find another scale that happens to contain them all...and we move to D minor. Similarly, when a G# intrudes into D minor music and a B natural replaces a Bb, these swaps move us from D minor to A minor.

Incidentally, the D minor sinfonia played here makes a great case against meantone tuning. D minor is traditionally the "home" key (along with C major) for regular meantone. However, this composition uses both D# and Eb within the same bar, only half a beat apart! Furthermore, the D# is sounded with a G# only a few seconds before that, and the Eb is sounded with a Bb a few seconds later. The D#/Eb key can't be tuned so it makes a "wolf" 5th/4th with either one of those, yet it has to serve as both functions: and therefore it has to be at some interim position, having both 5ths Eb-Bb and G#-D# be good.

The recordings here are from the CD "Playing from Bach's Fancy".

Two related videos, presenting the notes used in all 24 preludes/fugues of the Well-tempered Clavier:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6ikS0b0p9w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoKaDrYS1sw

More resources like this: http://www.larips.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• bach
• three
• part
• invention
• sinfonia
• harpsichord
• cembalo
• clavecin
• inventions
• sinfonias
• modulation
• scale
• temperament

[ralkramralkram]

You have a terrible habit in the D-minor Sinfonia of hesitating slightly before each beat (after the last 16th note of each beat). This becomes a real annoyance because it makes what what should be a calm piece sound nervous. Do you notice this? Do you wish it to sound nervous and excited?

[thebpl]

That deliberate rubato is a way to create the effect of accented notes, selectively, on the harpsichord. It was not motivated or caused by "nervousness" in the performance. I am sorry that this technique comes across to you as a "terrible habit" and "real annoyance".

And, I happen to disagree that this piece "should be" only calm. I see the opening as firm and vigorous, with lively dialogue among the three melodic voices. At bars 8-10 I let it relax to contrast that F major against D minor.

[davidyu08]

what level is the bach invention in e minor?

[thebpl]

I'm not sure I understand the "what level" question. All of the inventions and sinfonias were for Bach's (teenaged) students at Leipzig, and for his own children. For finger independence, and for simultaneous melody in two or three voices, these pieces are brilliant.

[ApsisApocynthion]

Good analysis, but shouldn't you be more specific about C# occurrence as it can be part of the Harmonic minor or the Melodic minor, or even a chromatically altered VII chord. Also remember that any given piece can practice chromatisism without modulating. Is all in reference to how it is used, where in the measure is used and how much emphasis is thrusted upon it. Did the composer preferred one interval over another? But I know Bach is very traditional and this is a modern approach.

[thebpl]

Good point (and a modern one) about harmonic minor, melodic minor, and chromatically-altered chords. However, my analytical approach is oriented toward practicality in tuning, and toward the perception of "foreign" tones injected into a prevailing diatonic scale. Anything unexpected within a passage will alert the ear that some new scale is coming (or already arrived), incorporating the surprising new note(s).

Please see also the remarks in my other new videos: "Bach: WTC book 1, 24 scales".

[thebpl]

@abidoful I do, often, but I decided to play it more simply for the CD.

[549035]

I try play this back song. Intresting.

[Gr33nkiwi]

@davidyu08 All sinfonia's are in the grade nine repertoire for RCM

[gngeannakakes]

Good analysis. It's gotten me thinking as to how to incorporate chromatisim into my compositions and improvisations.

[EricTheRed03]

I just starting learning piano and I'm trying to do a D minor Melodic.. can someone please help me out. I think I'm not raising the 6th and 7th notes properly. Should I be hitting 2 white keys at the end of it?

[kmpiano1]

The sinfonias are usually gr 9 level on the RCM exams in canada. I"m sure some teachers use them earlier to teach finger independence and musical expression as well.

[davidyu08]

is this song right for level 7 players?