Four Duets, BWV 802-805 for violin and viola; Johann Sebastian Bach

Four Duets, BWV 802-805 for violin and viola by Johann Sebastian Bach

Transcribed by Ferdinand David. Published by International

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German composer of the Baroque period and widely considered one of the greatest composers in the Western canon. He carefully studied the work of his forebears and contemporaries, incorporating intricate counterpoint and harmonic innovations into a sophisticated style that represents the zenith of the Baroque tradition. Though he wrote predominantly religious music-including several passions and over 200 cantatas-he is most celebrated today for his profoundly moving instrumental music, including concertos, suites, and sonatas, including many for strings-such as his Cello Suites and Sonatas and Partitas for violin.

Bach's contrapuntal mastery is apparent in his Four Duets, BWV 802-805 (1739), which are part of his magnum opus for organ, the Clavier-Ubung III. In this context, the duets refer to the imitative counterpoint of two voices, so they are played as easily on keyboard as they are on two melodic instruments. Their language is typical of late Bach, with a synthesis of a harmonically simple, traditional style with more modern chromatic developments. They are considered the peak of his two-part contrapuntal writing. These masterpieces were arranged here by 19th-century violinist Ferdinand David for violin and viola. Includes two performing parts. Advanced level, Grade 5.

CONTENTS:

• Duet in E minor, BWV 802
• Duet in F Major, BWV 803
• Duet in G Major, BWV 804
• Duet in A minor, BWV 805