Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)
Partita in a minor, BWV 1013
The Solopartita (BWV 1013) by Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most technically demanding works for the flute. Many questions surround this composition. Virtually nothing is known about its genesis and many questions surround this composition. There is only one surviving copy and this has two different manuscripts. (From bar 19 in the allemande, the handwriting changes). On the basis of the one manuscript, it is assumed that Bach composed the "Solo pour une flûte traversière" in Köthen at the beginning of the 1720s. It is conceivable that he had a particularly accomplished flautist at his disposal at this time.
The partita is a dance suite.
The Allemande is said to have been preceded by a version for strings or a version for a keyboard instrument. This explains the difficulties that this piece presents: First and foremost, the use of breathing. Often the last note of a phrase is also the opening note of the next phrase. This problem changes the interpretation with each new study.
The most fascinating aspect is the mixture of melody and harmony, which is particularly important in the first movement. The flute transforms itself into a harmonizing instrument and tries to make the different voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) audible. With the help of articulation and a little agogic, an attempt is made to portray the polyphony. A task that can only be partially successful, but never ceases to be exciting.
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