Flute Sonata in E Minor, BWV 1034 - Andante

Master expressive playing in E minor
Develop Bach's contrapuntal awareness
Practice flowing melodic lines

About This Piece

Composer: J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Difficulty: Early Intermediate

Notes Used: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E (high), F# (high)

Time Signature: 6/8

Key: E Minor

Fingering Review

Full Movement (Simplified)

This graceful Andante in 6/8 time features Bach's characteristic melodic beauty and harmonic richness.

Practice Tips

6/8 time: Feel in two - two groups of three eighth notes
Andante tempo: Walking pace - flowing but not hurried
Minor mode character: Bring out the expressive melancholy
Legato playing: Connect notes smoothly within phrases

Practice Exercises

Practice the E natural minor scale.

Master the graceful descending line.

Practice the flowing 6/8 rhythm.

Work on smooth stepwise passages.

Put together the full opening phrase.

Historical Context

The Flute Sonata in E Minor, BWV 1034, is one of Bach's most beautiful chamber works. Composed during his Cöthen period (1717-1723), when he served as Kapellmeister to Prince Leopold, this sonata reflects Bach's mastery of secular chamber music. The second movement Andante is particularly beloved for its flowing 6/8 meter and expressive E minor tonality. Bach's writing here demonstrates his ability to create rich, multi-layered music even in a single melodic line - the implied harmonies and the logical voice-leading give the impression of multiple voices in conversation. The movement's gentle, rocking rhythm and melancholic beauty make it a perfect piece for developing expressive playing and understanding of Baroque style. E minor was associated with serious, contemplative emotions in Baroque music theory.

Performance Goal: Capture the flowing, gentle character of this Andante. Feel the music in two beats per measure (6/8), and let the phrases unfold naturally and expressively. The mood should be contemplative and tender, with a beautiful singing tone throughout.

Next Steps

Once you can play this movement confidently, try:

Adding subtle dynamic shaping to phrases
Learning the complete sonata with all movements
Exploring other Bach works in E minor
Comparing this with other 6/8 slow movements