J.S.

Bach

J.S. Bach lived in Germany between 1685 to 1750 and is one of the most well known
composers of the late Baroque period. He studied organ from an early age and wrote
many pieces of church music. He worked in several churches in his region and moved
to many and different places for working reasons. Bach wrote these Sonatas and
Partitas before he moved to Leipzig in May 1723. Bach wrote 3 sonatas and 3 partitas
for violin solo. Although these pieces are not accompanied, he distributed the notes in
such a way as to imply harmony. J.S Bach’s music is very polyphonic and often has a
complex texture. Many analysts claim that Bach was a Mathematical genius due to the
combination he made to the notes and the harmony he used in his pieces.

Today I will present from partita No 2, 3rd and 4th movements. (Sarabande and
Gigue)

Sonatas and Partitas for Violin Solo

SARABANDE

Sarabande was a dance in triple meter in the 16th century that was played in Latin
America. This dance came to Europe and became a traditional movement of Baroques
period suite. In the Baroque period Sarabandes were played in slower rhythms and
they were not always for dancing. In Sarabande which will be performed today it
could be clearly seen the polyphonic harmonic texture and the baroque period style
can be clearly observed.

GIGUE

Gigue is a nice and fast baroque dance in a triple meter. Gigue origins are propably
from the Britain and it appears usually at the end of a Suite. Gigue texture is usually
contrapuntal. The accents on the beats often give the sense of a folk dance. The gigues
were danced by the nobilities in social occasions.

All these pieces were used to be played with a different kind of bow than the one that
is used today. Baroque period bows were more arched and had less spring.