Bach - when to play on one or two manuals
Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2021 12:53 pm
I am pretty much a VPO newbie (although I played Bach 2 and 3 part inventions on the piano as a kid, and
still play though the easier ones now). I've watched numerous videos (especially by Balint Karosi) and have
been trying to understand when a particular Bach piece is to be played on one manual (plus pedal, if it's
written) or on two manuals. Is it a matter of my personal preference (similar to how I would register a
particular piece), i.e., if the music seems like a "call and response", might that hint at two manuals?
Are there hints in the music itself? For example, if I see the same note in both the treble and bass clef,
is this a hint that it ought to be played on two manuals?
[At the moment, I only have one "manual", my digital piano that has a USB/MIDI out, but I'm waiting anxiously
for Midiworks to get their pistonless manuals back in stock.]
I'm guessing there is an extensive literature out there on the topic, but I'd appreciate any thoughts or
guidance folks might have.
Thanks!
- Bruce
still play though the easier ones now). I've watched numerous videos (especially by Balint Karosi) and have
been trying to understand when a particular Bach piece is to be played on one manual (plus pedal, if it's
written) or on two manuals. Is it a matter of my personal preference (similar to how I would register a
particular piece), i.e., if the music seems like a "call and response", might that hint at two manuals?
Are there hints in the music itself? For example, if I see the same note in both the treble and bass clef,
is this a hint that it ought to be played on two manuals?
[At the moment, I only have one "manual", my digital piano that has a USB/MIDI out, but I'm waiting anxiously
for Midiworks to get their pistonless manuals back in stock.]
I'm guessing there is an extensive literature out there on the topic, but I'd appreciate any thoughts or
guidance folks might have.
Thanks!
- Bruce