Bach's 15 two part inventions for piano are often used as exercises, to learn how to carry a tune with the left hand and how to play different tunes, one with each hand, in counter point. Bach also intended the pieces as implicit lessons in composition: study the music and see how the trick is done! Phrases are repeated and developed and the pieces are simple enough that you can see how its done and complicated enough to be enjoyable music.
Joe Williams has arranged the pieces for violin duet. I find the arrangements fascinating. The "separation of the hands" which I struggle with when I try to play the pieces on the piano, occurs automatically with a duet. So I can listen to Joe William's performances as inspiration. That is what I am aiming for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVnNq7ZT5wM
calx 0 points 3.6 years ago
Wow! Love these thanks. I learned to play about 5 or 6 of them as a young teen on the piano. Only one 3 part invention though ha. Those are a little harder.