Bach's 1st Prelude in C Major from the Well-Tempered Clavier (PRACTICE)

[bonesquirrel]

I just finished learning this, I am aware it still needs a bit more color. Any tips?

https://clyp.it/edh0qga0

[faulty_damper]

How would you add color?

[bonesquirrel]

How would you add color?

Well that's my exact question...............

An if you don't know, when I say color I mean expression

[j_menz]

Before you add "colour" first do two things.

1) get the notes comfortable in the last third - you're struggling, sometimes a lot,  and it shows.

2) Think about the time signature. It's 4/4, so the beats should be where?

The first top note in each 2 beat figure (half a bar) is a beat - not the major beat, but a beat - the second one isn't. It's a common error to treat it as one, but it's an error nonetheless and confuses the pulse. You have some bars where you get it right, and they are vastly better in all respects.

Fix those two things and you're halfway there.

[faulty_damper]

Well that's my exact question...............

An if you don't know, when I say color I mean expression

I thought by "color" you meant sonority and tone.  This is typically how the term is used.  "Expression" means conveying the pieces ideas, moods, and harmonies.  Since this piece is built entirely upon arpeggiated chords, then it's the harmonies that need to be expressed.

[j_menz]

I thought by "color" you meant sonority and tone.  This is typically how the term is used. 

And in what universe is that, pray tell? I mean. it may well mean that, but it may equally mean a whole lot of other things, and I have never heard it so implicitly restricted.  If you're going to be a pedant (and a provisional welcome to the club, your entry test is in the post), be right.

[bonesquirrel]

Before you add "colour" first do two things.

1) get the notes comfortable in the last third - you're struggling, sometimes a lot,  and it shows.

2) Think about the time signature. It's 4/4, so the beats should be where?

The first top note in each 2 beat figure (half a bar) is a beat - not the major beat, but a beat - the second one isn't. It's a common error to treat it as one, but it's an error nonetheless and confuses the pulse. You have some bars where you get it right, and they are vastly better in all respects.

Fix those two things and you're halfway there.

I think I really need to study music theory 0_0. You see I think your already aware of this, but, I can't read music at all. I understand time signatures somewhat but I have never even looked at the score for this Prelude, on any score, for any piece I've learnt. I just listen to recordigs of the piece and try and match it.

[j_menz]

I think I really need to study music theory 0_0. You see I think your already aware of this, but, I can't read music at all. I understand time signatures somewhat but I have never even looked at the score for this Prelude, on any score, for any piece I've learnt. I just listen to recordigs of the piece and try and match it.

This is actually a pretty good piece to start your reading on.

[pianist1976]

I just finished learning this, I am aware it still needs a bit more color. Any tips?

How would you add color?

[bonesquirrel]

How would you add color?

I think I speak for everyone when I say.....................................................What

[faulty_damper]

I am here only to help the OP.  Any other readers are only audience and I simply do not care for armchair spectators armed with keyboards.  If these armchair spectators have the exact same issues, then they should try out my advice for themselves.  If not, they should refrain from making condescending remarks, either in type or in graphics.

[j_menz]

try out my advice for themselves. 

Since the sum total of your "advice" to this point has been "express the harmonies", I'm not sure you've been clear enough. I, for one, haven't a clue what you mean.