In the Hands
Paul Cantrell’s music
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Bach Sinfonia 5

The first Bach of the blog, one of his sinfonias (also known as three-part inventions). The three parts in this one are not obvious at first: the upper two voice are wonderfully intertwined, and do an intricate little tango together as third voice turns slowly through a cycle of Bach permutations underneath. I love the way it unfolds.

Sinfonia No 5

As I listen to myself play this one, it sounds like I’m still a bit tentative with a new piece — certainly there is room to be more expressive, and more fluid. I am pleased to have worked out the ornaments, though, which Bach only suggests and leaves largely at the performer’s liberty. (Those are are the little slides, twirls and general filigree in the upper voices.) I know now why these baroque performers made a custom of improvising ornaments: it’s fun!

Comments

Ronjoe

I’m so glad I found your site. I’ve gone through the Brahms which is new to me and the Bach which I have heard mostly as harpsichord music. I’m greatly enjoying your playing. As I am recovering from back surgery as I told you, I will have plenty of time to explore here and elsewhere, as I can’t go back to work till Feb. 1st.

Ronjoe
fuzzyami

I’m enjoying this, thanx!

fuzzyami
Hartmut

Your page:
highly recommendable!

I did enjoy it: Continue to do forth, gentleman!

Yours Sincerely - Greetings from Munich, Germany

Hartmut’s first page on the web (all in German, man

Matt

This is my favorite of the Bach sinfonias. I have Andras Schiff’s CD of Bach’s 2 and 3 part inventions and he plays them so fast. I must say that I enjoy it more when it is played slow. Do you have any more of Bach’s 2 and 3 part inventions recorded? Thanks so much for posting your work.

Matt
Paul

Thanks, Matt! I only have one other invention recorded, not as successful as this one. I don’t think I play Bach particularly well, and haven’t recorded much. I do agree that people often rush it!

Paul
Andrew

Just so sensitively played and with the oranaments spelt out instead of twiddling and hoping. Tremendous - I am going to try it myself now. Thank you for publishing your efforts which are not easily come by.

Andrew