6 Partitas, BWV 825-830

Historical context

Bach’s 6 Partitas, BWV 825-830, marked his first published work, appearing as ‘Clavierubung, or Exercises for the Clavier, consisting of Preludes, Allemandes, Courantes, Sarabandes, Gigues, Minuets, etc., for the Diversion of Amateurs. Opus I.’ The first Partita was released in 1726, with others following annually until all were engraved together in 1731, as noted in the original publication. Bach chose the title ‘Partita’ like Kuhnau, wishing to appear as his successor, and the name ‘German suites’ distinguished them from French and English suites, reflecting his recognition of German groundwork despite foreign influences, according to the book. The work was much noticed at the time, as such compositions for the Clavier had not been seen or heard before, and the novelty of the music and clavier technique excited wonder and admiration, as Forkel observed. Forkel also noted that to know them perfectly became the highest aim of clavier players, and “he who had learnt to play a few of them could make his fortune.”

These partitas constitute a comprehensive and self-contained work, strictly preserving the outlines of the suite form while exhibiting extraordinary wealth of structure and variety in their introductory pieces, which include Prelude, Sinfonia, Fantasia, Ouverture, Praeambulum, and Toccata, according to the book. Bach paid attention to the different characteristics of Italian and French styles, using both ‘Correntes’ and ‘Courantes’, and the Gigues also show two-fold development, with some in fugal style and others in the lighter Italian ‘Giga’ style, as described in the book. The Giga of the B flat major partita even employs the crossing of hands, a specialty of Domenico Scarlatti, indicating Bach’s use of contemporary technical devices. Forkel suggested that young players today would profit from studying them, as they are brilliant, agreeable, expressive, and original.

Drawn from Forkel, Johann Nikolaus, 1749-1818; Terry, Charles Sanford, 1864-1936, Johann Sebastian Bach; his life, art, and work, tr. from the German of Johann Nikolaus Forkel, with notes and appendices (1920); Spitta, Philipp, 1841-1894, Johann Sebastian Bach : his work and influence on the music of Germany, 1685-1750 (1899) — public domain, archive.org.