I'm doing Grade 8 piano, and I have a question about the A1 Prelude and Fugue in Ab major.

It has no marking for dynamics, but do they expect you to put them in according to your interpretation?

Because when they do that at Grade 7, they at least mention in the piece notes 'Dynamics are at the candidate's discreton' or something like that, but with this they haven't.

Any thoughts?

DomTre

Yes.

Try listening to some recordings to see what the professionals do with Bach - their styles and interpretations vary quite a bit. There is no definitive answer, its up to you to decide on something that works for you. You might want to do some reading eg Performer's Guide to Baroque music (I think that's the right title, published by ABRSM). Ask your teacher for advice. Good luck!


Bach

very helpful!!




Crotchets held for not quite their length, quavers staccato but emphasised and semiquavers legato (unless otherwise intructed) is pretty much the norm for Baroque including Bach, or so I am led to believe. There are instructions immediately before the Prelude if you get the AB Tovey/Samuel edition: Re the prelude it says: 'The chords should be firm fresh and not too short; The quavers a not too dry staccato; and the semiquavers a good vocal legato coloratura. The instructions for the fugue are a bit more complex!

Sorry, a bit stressed.

Thanks for the advice anyway, I'll listen to some recordings and things.

And tbh, SueHM, I agree with you. How can you not love Bach, especially this one?

Dom Tre