Bach's Menuet in E major: The Full Score
Johann Sebastian Bach's Menuet in E major, from the Sixth French Suite, is a fine example of the well-known Baroque dance genre. Originally performed on harpsichord or clavichord, it is more often heard today on the piano. Here is a complete copy of the musical score:
Set in the key signature of four sharps and cast in the customary triple meter, the dance conveys the graceful lyricism characteristic of its genre. As this illustrates, the Menuet consists of two sections, each of which is repeated, and it is twenty-four measures in length. The second section is twice as long as the first, featuring much more harmonic fluctuation, and it thus achieves a wider range of expression. Yet both sections are quite similar in register, rhythm, and texture.
For easy reference and self-study, you may wish to print out a copy of this score. In addition, you may be able to hear the music (if your WWW browser has the appropriate sound plugins) by clicking on the following highlighted text: play the Bach Menuet in E major. After you've had a chance to become better acquainted with the music, return to the introduction of this tutorial to begin a closer examination.
Go back to the Bach Analysis Introduction.
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