JS Bach Partita No 2 Sinfonie, 3rd section allegro

[p_yee19]

May someone tell me how should i do, so that my LH and RH can work together evenly??
i found out that my LH is very weak. I try with slow tempo, then the hands could work properly. But when i increase the speed, it started to sound clumsy.each hand chasing another...Is there any finger exercise that helps in building eveness of tone??? thanks for your help!!!

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings

I just completed this part of the Partita and yes, the allegro part is tricky. The synchronization of hands was also a bit of a problem for me, especially for the left hand scales and when the two hands combine in close intervals (beginning of second page of the allegro section and towards the end). First of all, always work each hand separate at a very slow tempo, with complete control. Many members claim that raising the fingers high is not good, as it leads towards unnecessary tension and will be problematic at higher tempos, but for me, raising the fingers high only helped me with feeling relaxation and complete control and doesn't at all hinder fast playing as in faster playing I don't raise the fingers high.

Pick a section for the left hand and slowly play each note separately, with high finger action and complete control of both relaxation and sound. Raise the finger only after the entire hand is relaxed; never keep the next finger raised after playing a note, as that causes tension. Keep the wrists low and make sure that after you quickly strike the note the hand and wrists becomes relaxed. When playing both hands together make sure that you are in complete control of the sound (make sure all notes are even) and the sound is synchronized. This can only be achieved by playing in a slow tempo. I love this piece so much and hope that I was of help.

Best.

[electrodoc]

I can understand some of the difficulties that you are experiencing with this partita. You do not say what previous experience that you have with playing Bach. Having struggled with this piece myself I suggest the following:

1.   Learn to play several Two Part Inventions in order to get the independence of the hands. Nos. 8, 13, 1, and 14 are good for this and quite easy. (They are not too difficult to sight read.) Take them slowly at first and bring out the independence of each hand and then gradually speed up.
2.   Take one or two of the easier preludes and fugues such as No2 Cmin.
These will give more practice with hand independence and also give experience of the fugue structure.
3.   The Sinfonia Allegro of the Partita No 2
If you do not already have one get a digital metronome (Seiko are good) and set it to somewhere between 96 and 104. Use this as the semiquaver count and get the whole section fluent with hands separate. When you can play each hand separately at this speed without any mistakes or hesitations four times through then move the metronome up by 4 digits. The increase in speed will be hardly noticeable. And again go through four or five time looking for perfection. Keep on adjusting the metronome by 4 counts until a speed of about 120.

Now, go back to semiquaver = 96 (or less) and try putting the hands together. Take short sections (4 – 8 bars) and try to bring out the contrasts between the hands. Aim to make the quavers detached (but not too staccato, whilst keeping the semiquavers more legato but clean and clear.

If the semiquaver count of 96 is still too fast then find the speed at which you can keep full control for the section being worked on. Use this as your starting point and very gradually move the metronome speed up (four counts at a time is good – it is hardly noticeable and over time you will acquire a good speed.

Take good care with the fingering because it is quite tricky in parts. I also suggest getting bars 48 – 51 well learned first. The left hand is quite difficult here.

Hope that these remarks help. Would love to hear a recording when you have got it to your satisfaction.

Best of luck

electrodoc

[p_yee19]

    oh....
really thanks a lot for all of your advices...
i will try do it right now...
hopefully i can see the improvement soon...
cause my exam is getting nearer...hehe

thanks again...