Taught by renowned violinist
Charles Yang
Join Charles Yang in this course on Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor, from the grave Allemande and the brisk Courante to the famous virtuosic Chaconne. He emphasizes the relationships between voices, rhythmic emphasis, bow and fingering technique, and much more in this detailed walk through an 18th-century masterpiece.
<p id="">I. Allemande</p>
<p id="">Bach wrote this Allemande after learning that his first wife had passed, giving this movement a heavy emotional charge. Yang emphasizes the importance of treating the bow like a paintbrush to mark the contours of Bach's lines. Identify the layers of voices at work and pay attention to Yang's phrasing.</p>
<p id="">II. Courante</p>
<p id="">Courante translates to "running," an apt descriptor for this sprightly piece. Yang urges the student to consider the character they want for this piece and find the technique that allows them to best communicate it. He also shares techniques to practice rhythmic emphasis and how to roll the opening chord.</p>
<p id="">III. Sarabande</p>
<p id="">For his lesson on the Sarabande from Bach's Partita No. 2, Charles Yang shares some bowing suggestions and what to consider while practicing to make this movement comfortable.</p>
<p id="">III. Sarabande</p>
<p id="">For his lesson on the Sarabande from Bach's Partita No. 2, Charles Yang shares some bowing suggestions and what to consider while practicing to make this movement comfortable.</p>
<p id="">V. Chaconne</p>
<p id="">The Chaconne, the longest of the movements of Bach's Partita No. 2, is a set of variations on a fixed harmonic sequence, yet its known for its brilliance and virtuosity. Yang breaks down his technique and phrasing in every variation, including his thoughts on characters, imagery, sound quality, and the impact of the harmony on his playing.</p>
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