Recess 9--Take a "swing" at Bach

Originally the word “Partita” pertained to variations, as in a theme and variations. Around 1700 in Germany, the meaning was given to a suite of movements, such as in J.S. Bach’s Six Partitas for Harpsichord. We’re going to bring you the Prelude from the Partita No. 6. It will be played by Trevor Pinnock. Get a feeling for the fragmentary almost improvisational elements in the themes.

Listen!

Now that you’ve heard the real thing, listen to a slightly different arrangement of the same piece. Listen!

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