Taught by renowned violinist
Adrian Butterfield
Explore Bach's second sonata for solo violin, BWV 1003 in A minor, with internationally renowned violinist, director, and conductor Adrian Butterfield. Butterfield, who specializes in period performance, takes us on a journey to unfold the beloved sonata's beauty, history, and performance practice.
Introduction
Butterfield introduces us to the structure of the work as well as the Baroque violin.
Polyphony and Compromise
Understanding the aspect of polyphony is essential to understanding Bach’s music. Butterfield shares his advice on choosing the length of the notes to create a feeling of ongoing polyphony on the violin.
I. Grave
Butterfield discusses chords, harmonic structure, and the influence of French music in the Grave. He explains how Corelli’s compositional style impacted Bach and shares his advice on the unique markings in the last two measures.
II. Fuga
Following the harmonic preparation at the end of the Grave, the A minor fuga is considered one of the most complex and rich movements in Bach’s six sonatas and partitas. Butterfield demonstrates the different subject entries. He examines the structure, character, and technical challenges of the movement.
III. Andante
The third movement in the Sonata da Chiesa is the beautiful Andante. Butterfield shares his advice on choosing the tempo, slurs, and keeping the pulse throughout the movement. He discusses the historical context of the movement, including Vivaldi’s influence on Bach, the meaning and opportunities in the repeats, and the connection between the Andante and the Allegro.
IV. Allegro
Butterfield explains how the extreme dynamic and tempo changes common in the Italian musical style relate to playing the Allegro. He shares his advice on choosing and practicing the stroke and highlights the unique ending of the movement.
Conclusion
Butterfield shares an overview of the sonata’s movements and narrative. Exploring Bach’s composition is a lifelong journey, and Butterfield concludes the course with the hope that the listeners will find new elements in the music as he did.
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Unlock Course →Adrian Butterfield has gained an international reputation as a violinist, director and conductor who specialises in period performance of music from about 1600-1900 and is a Professor of Baroque Violin at the Royal College of Music in London
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