Partita in A minor, BWV 1013 (Transposed for Alto Recorder)

About This Piece

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Difficulty: Advanced

Key: A minor (transposed from original)

Movements: I. Allemande - II. Corrente - III. Sarabande - IV. Bourrée anglaise

Original: BWV 1013 for solo flute

Note: This is the only unaccompanied work by Bach suitable for recorder!

I. Allemande - Contrapuntal Opening

Bach creates multiple voices from single melodic line. Tempo: ♩ = 72-80

Highlight implied upper and lower voices through articulation and dynamics.

II. Corrente - Flowing Dance

Continuous motion with dance character. Tempo: ♩. = 92-104

III. Sarabande - Emotional Center

Slow dance with profound emotional depth. Tempo: ♩ = 48-54

IV. Bourrée anglaise - Joyful Finale

Lively conclusion with rustic English flavor. Tempo: ♩ = 96-108

Technical Challenges

Implied Polyphony: Bach's single-line writing implies multiple voices. Use articulation, dynamics, and rhythm to clarify these implied voices. Study Bach's keyboard and violin works to understand this technique.

Intonation: Without harmonic accompaniment, intonation must be perfect. Use a tuner during practice and develop internal harmonic hearing.

Musical Independence: This is a solo work - you are orchestra, conductor, and soloist simultaneously. Develop complete interpretive authority.

Performance Practice

This partita is Bach's only unaccompanied work for a wind instrument (originally flute). It demonstrates his contrapuntal mastery and ability to create harmonic richness from a single melodic line. The dance movement structure reflects the French suite tradition. Performance requires maturity, technical security, and deep musical understanding.

Performance Goal: This is the Mount Everest of unaccompanied recorder repertoire. Your performance must reveal Bach's implied polyphony, maintain perfect intonation, and project complete musical authority. Memorization essential for maximum expressive freedom. This work defines advanced recorder playing - it demonstrates that the recorder is a complete solo instrument capable of the most sophisticated music.

Practice Strategy