"Fun" or "Intense" Bach Pieces?

[newkidintown]

I'm trying to get my summer repertiore together, and I've been having a little trouble figuring out what two classical pieces I want to play. The last time I had a lesson, the teacher mentioned that Bach is really good for pianists of any genre, as far as theory and such goes, but I'm having trouble finding pieces that actually look like something I'd be willing to spend a lot of time on. So are there any recommendations for some pieces by him (or really, any other composer you'd think would be good for technical stuff and theory) that are really fun to play or "intense" sounding?

[49410enrique]

this piece has that 'intense' feel too it. at least how i interpret 'intense' sounding in baroque music. his music is some of my fav in this segment of the common practice period.

[drkilroy]

Try the prelude in d minor from the first book of WTC. I find it really fun to play. The fugue is another beast, though...

Best regards, Dr

[ceapaire]

How about some of the 2 or 3 part inventions (also called sinfonias)? They're perhaps the best introduction to Bach, and really rewarding in their own right. For the 2-part, I'd suggest C major, D minor, F major or A minor.

Or, if they're a bit too easy for you, try some preludes and fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier. I'd recommend the C minor or Bb major from book one, though if it's your first fugue I'd say go for the C major to get the feel for it. I'd still say to start with the inventions if you've never done Bach before though - it'd be worth the effort

Welcome to the wonderful world of Bach!

[krajcher]

French or English suites? I practise it right now and I have a lot of fun with them.
I am sure you will find something that suits you.

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[teosoleil]

Ooh! Awesome! I love intense and fun Baroque stuff. I'd definitely recommend the Partita 2, the shortest of his Partitas. Specifically the Sinfonia, Rondeaux, and Capriccio movements. When well played, they make me giggle and kind of put me into a dancing mood

Sinfonia has a slow and catchy start and the third section is a fast-paced fugue. The way you play directly translates to the mood you will get, interpretation is key.

Rondeaux is certainly a more "pokey" work with fun voices. You'll love how it leads into the Capriccio

Finally, the Capriccio. One of the most badass sounding pieces I've ever heard by Bach. Extremely fun to perform. Here's Argerich's, it basically explains itself. 

[jayeckz]

So are there any recommendations for some pieces by him (or really, any other composer you'd think would be good for technical stuff and theory) that are really fun to play or "intense" sounding?

I don't know about recommending a specific composer, but I would recommend you study a set of variations.  Variations generally include a lot of different technique.

Consider asking your teacher to assign one to you.

Depending on your level, I'd recommend Mendelssohn's Variations Serieuses.  This piece is quite intense, and once learned is extremely fun to play.  For me, learning this piece was very slow and painful, but more than worth the effort.

A heads up if you try to play the piece, some of the easier sounding variations are harder than they sound (for example the first 2 variations).

[cazico]

As mentioned above, it's so very true that Partita no. 2 in C minor is very fun to play, especially the Capriccio! If you have the technical abilities I would go for that one.
Or parts of other partitas, like no. 1 or no. 5.

[danny_i]

I realize that this not original Bach per se, but Busoni's transcription of Bach's chaconne from the violin partita in d minor is a very intense piece, and absolutely amazing to listen to.

My favorite interpretation is Helene Grimaud's, although Michelangeli's is very good too.

[williampiano]

I think Bach's Duetto no. 1 is a fun one to play.