Taught by renowned violinist
Vijay Gupta
Bach's third sonata for solo violin, BWV 1005 in C major, was composed in 1720 and is the last of the composer's solo violin sonatas (as part of the six sonatas and partitas). The four movements of the sonata: Adagio, Fugue, Largo, and Allegro assai, are considered some of Bach’s finest instrumental music. Acclaimed violinist Vijay Gupta demonstrates how to reveal the uniqueness, harmonic tension, and honesty of this work. In addition, Gupta discusses the technical issues in the piece and the solutions to them.
I. Adagio
The Adagio, following the famous Chaconne, is full of unique harmonies that create tension and release. Gupta suggests phrasing it as a harmonic preparation for the following Fugue. Gupta encourages playing the movement in a free and exploratory way. He shares his advice regarding playing with a baroque bow, playing the chords, and communicating Bach’s healing qualities with an audience.
II. Fuga
Bach, whose devotion to the church was an important point in his compositions, based the C major fugue subject over the Lutheran hymn “Komm, Heiliger Geist” (Come, Holy Ghost). Gupta points out that Bach continues utilizing chromatic lines to create harmonic tension and unique colors by writing a highly chromatic countersubject. Gupta explores the development of the Fugue- from structure to interpretation, Gupta encourages finding time to breathe with the natural pause of the line, following the fugue subject and keeping the overall arc of the movement.
III. Largo
In this lesson, Gupta explains the structure of the movement by exploring the bass and soprano lines. He demonstrates the different bow strokes and articulation and encourages the performer to consider how it feels to listen to this music for the first time. In addition, he suggests different timings and ornaments to explore.
IV. Allegro assai
Bach’s brilliant finale for the sonata is a lively dance full of musical drive as well as technical difficulties. Gupta explains how to overcome the challenges and concentrate on the musical line. He examines, step by step, how to practice the right and left-hand articulation, shifts, and string crossings.
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Unlock Course →Vijay Gupta is a violinist, speaker and citizen-artist dedicated to creating spaces of wholeness through music.
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