Composer: J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Difficulty: Early Intermediate
Notes Used: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C# (high), D# (high), E (high)
Time Signature: 6/8
Key: E Major
One of Bach's most famous Sicilianos, this movement combines the pastoral character of the dance with profound emotional depth.
Master the E Major scale with four sharps.
Focus on the chromatic notes used in this piece.
Practice the graceful descending opening.
Master the ascending pattern smoothly.
Put together the full opening section.
The Siciliano from Bach's Flute Sonata in E Major, BWV 1035, is one of the most beautiful movements in all of Baroque chamber music. Composed during Bach's Leipzig period (after 1723), this sonata represents his mature style. The Siciliano, a pastoral dance form in 6/8 or 12/8 time, typically evokes shepherds' songs and rural scenes. Bach elevates this dance form to sublime heights, combining its characteristic lilting rhythm with profound harmonic richness and emotional depth. The E Major tonality, with its four sharps, creates a particularly bright and ethereal quality. This movement is frequently performed separately and has been transcribed for many instruments. For recorder players, it's a challenging but rewarding piece that develops both technical facility with sharps and expressive musical maturity. The movement's fame extends beyond classical music - it has been used in films and popular culture.
Once you can play this movement confidently, try: