Bach, J.S. - French Suite in G major, BWV 816, i. Allemande (taught by guest artist, Dr. Ben Laude)
Full-Length Tutorial
This 74-minute video is the first in a series of two tutorials exploring an in-depth look at J. S. Bach’s French Suite No. 5 in G Major, BWV 816, presented by special guest, Dr. Ben Laude. This tutorial covers the Allemande, and the second tutorial covers the Gigue. Ben also shares a performance of the work at the end of each tutorial. Bach’s 6 French Suites were composed between his English Suites and Partitas, and are unique among his dance suites in foregoing a Prelude movement and beginning directly with the Allemande. The Allemande of the G major French Suite is one of the sunniest and most lyrical pieces Bach ever composed for the keyboard. In this tutorial, Ben advocates for an approach to Bach’s music dedicated to exploring possibilities rather than issuing “thou shalt nots” that are too common in Bach pedagogy. To start, Ben offers an analysis of the harmony and voice leading that lies behind the surface of the music in order to clarify phrasing and form and strengthen memory. Upon returning to Bach’s ingenious realization of this underlying structure, Ben demonstrates how to develop a spectrum of touches to draw from when articulating the music’s polyphonic lines, and offers exercises for promoting hand and finger independence. By listening to the interweaving voices and applying different touches simultaneously, it is possible to deliver a subtle and beautiful interpretation. Ben adds to that guidance on the use of surgical pedaling, as well as ideas for ornamentation, and general technical and advice to round out the lesson.
For more information about Ben, you can visit his website at www.BenLaude.com
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Billboard #1 artist Dr. Josh Wright has delighted audiences across the United States and in Europe. The Washington Post described him as a pianist possessing “rarer gifts – touch, intelligence and the ability to surprise.” He performed his debut recitals at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center in 2014. His self-titled album “Josh Wright” topped the Billboard Classical Traditional chart just three weeks after its release in April 2011. He also performed at Dolby Theater in Los Angeles as part of America's Got Talent Season 9. He currently serves on the piano faculty at the University of Utah. He has performed with numerous symphony orchestras, been a prize winner in international competitions, and studied with some of the world's greatest piano teachers. He looks forward to being your personal mentor in each of his course offerings.
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