Bach: Partita No. 1 in B-flat major, BWV 825 | Martin Helmchen, piano

This is the first published piano piece by Johann Sebastian Bach: Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825. Johann Sebastian Bach published the piece in 1726 with “enthusiasts” in mind, but actually it was written for professionals. Pianist Martin Helmchen gave his lively interpretation during a piano recital recorded live at the Verbier Festival on July 23rd, 2011. (00:00) Coming on stage (00:12) I. Praeludium (02:10) II. Allemande (05:32) III. Courante (08:06) IV. Sarabande (12:48) V. Menuets I & II (15:39) VI. Gigue Johann Sebastian Bach’s six partitas are not only famous but also challenging. They are Baroque suites with stylized dance movements such as Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue, or Menuet. The works are regarded as highlights of Bach’s secular repertoire. Bach first published the partitas in individual volumes, which were refined with a copper engraving technique between 1926 and 1931. The well-known First Partita, which Bach described as “these modest mu