Discover Bach’s keyboard music as it was meant to be heard.
This book delves into performance practice to explain how Bach’s works should be rendered on harpsichord, clavichord, and early pianos, not just on the modern piano. It argues that Bach embedded guiding cues in his keyboard music, and that understanding old instruments unlocks a truer Bach style.
The author takes readers through the practical questions behind tempo, dynamics, articulation, and ornamentation. By comparing historical instruments and how their mechanics shape interpretation, the book clarifies why modern performances can diverge so widely from Bach’s intentions and how to approach these pieces with informed sensitivity.
What you’ll experience
- Clear explanations of tempo, dynamics, and articulation in baroque practice
- Practical guidance on ornaments, trills, mordents, and turns as Bach might have expected
- Discussion of instrument differences and how they influence phrasing and rhythm
- Examples and insights focused on applying historical techniques to Bach’s keyboard works
Ideal for readers who want a grounded, workmanlike guide to interpreting Bach on period keyboards and for anyone seeking a deeper, non-dramatized understanding of these masterworks.