Bach, J.S. Prelude from ‘English’ suite in A minor BWV 807 - Form Analysis

[supernoodles97]

Hey guys!

I have an exam in 1 month-ish
And I need to study for general knowledge!  Which I am so bad at.

I'm stuck on the analysis of the prelude from English Suite. So, the form and all... I've googled, but nothing has come up.

I really need some help! Thank you! All posts are extremely appreciated <3

[supernoodles97]

And here's a video/recording of the piece:

[marklang]

I would like to help you , but don't have any idea sorry :/

[krajcher]

https://www.allmusic.com/composition/english-suite-for-keyboard-no-2-in-a-minor-bwv-807-bc-l14-mc0002358845

[asuhayda]

Hey!

I'm actually playing this piece right now!  Do you have any specific questions about it?  It's a great piece.. very difficult.  It is for the most part in 3 voices.

Primarily it's a theme and bridge setup.. I would probably describe the form as ABCB'C'A  (that's off the top of my head though... I wouldn't quote me on that)

One suggestion I would make is to identify where the theme occurs and re-occurs througout the piece... take modulations into consideration.  Once you've made that identification, then go back and map the exposition sections.  That will give you a good idea of the piece's form.  This piece is very improvisatory.. but fortunately, the theme presents itself many times and section A fully recapitulates in the final quarter.

Anyway, there's a ton of theory under the hood that I probably can't explain to save my life, but I'll try to help you if I can.  But, I could probably best help you out if you have some specific questions.

Just let me know..  why people don't play these English Suites more often is beyond me!! I think they are some of Bach's best work!!

~Adam

[krajcher]

I'm actually playing this piece right now!  Do you have any specific questions about it?  It's a great piece.. very difficult.  It is for the most part in 3 voices.

~Adam

It is for the most part in 2 voices.

[asuhayda]

typo.. you are correct. 2 voices.