Sonata no. 1 in G minor for Violin Solo, BWV 1001

Johann Sebastian Bach

General Info

Year: 1720, Published 1802
Duration: c.
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: G. Schirmer
Cost: Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00

Movements

1. Adagio
2. Fuga
3. Siciliana
4. Presto

Instrumentation

Marimba

Annotation

Fuga - Written as a part of Bach’s first prelude, the fugue can be entirely placed onto the marimba reading from the violin music. Traditionally, Bach violin music is played down an octave in order to express the rich deep sounds of the marimba, and to provide more resonance. The fugue is masterfully composed, with the theme presenting itself in a variety of ways that are rarely duplicated in the piece. Where the fugue theme can be approached as if there are 4 voices, it presents an opportunity for the performer to showcase mallet control. The episodes are also quite virtuosic, featuring prolific, arpeggiated passages that definitely contrast as well as compliment the main theme. It is important to note that Leigh Howard Stevens transcribed the fugue from g minor to a minor, but it is possible to play in the original key. Many recordings of the g minor on both marimba, and violin can be found on YouTube. Bach’s 6 Sonatas and Partita’s are published in a collection through International Music Company. - Trevor Landreth (05-10-18)

Recent Performances

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Works for Percussion by this Composer

Sonata no. 1 in G minor for Violin Solo, BWV 1001 - Marimba (transcription)