The structural and stylistic features of Johann Sebastian Bach's sonatas and partitas for solo violin, and the history of these works, are the focus of this book. Historical topics include Bach as a violinist, the autograph score of the work, the published editions, and the history of performance traditions.

Combining an analytical study, a historical guide, and an insightful introduction to Bach's style, the book will help violinists, scholars, and listeners develop a deeper personal involvement with many aspects of these wonderful pieces.

This engaging volume is the first comprehensive exploration of the place of these works within Bach's music: it focuses on their structural and stylistic features as they have been perceived since their creation. Joel Lester, a highly regarded scholar, teacher, violinist, and administrator, combines an analytical study, a full historical guide, and an insightful introduction to Bach's style.

Contents
ONE: The History of Bach's Solo-Violin Works
The Historical Setting
Bach's Score
The Transmission of Bach's Sonatas and Partitas
TWO: The G-minor Adagio
The Adagio as a Prelude to the Fuga
One Type of Bach Prelude
The G-minor Adagio as a Prelude
The Adagio's Rhetorical Shape
Performance Considerations
Notes on the Autograph Score
Performing the Rhythmic Notations
The Other Prelude Movements in the Solo-Violin Works
THREE: The G-minor Fuga
The Sections of the G-minor Fuga
Other Aspects of Heightening Activity in the Fuga
Structure and Performance: The Fugal Exposition
The Eighteenth-Century Arrangements
The A-minor and C-major Fugas
FOUR: The Siciliana of the G-minor Sonata
Bach's Parallel-Section Movements
The Structure of the Siciliana
A Questionable Note and Some Thoughts on Ornamentation
The Third Movements of the Other Solo-Violin Sonatas
FIVE: The G-minor Presto
The Presto and Perpetual Motions
Baroque versus Later Metrics
Binary Form and (versus?) Increasing Levels of Activity
Performance Issues in the G-minor Presto
The Finales to the A-minor and C-major Sonatas
SIX: The Partitas
Series of Dance Movements
The Dance Types
The Chaconne
SEVEN: Closing Thoughts
Notes
Works Cited
Index

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