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Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme – BWV 645

Character, clarity and a recognisable musical line.

An accessible arrangement that preserves the identity of an essential work.

Arranged and performed by David de Miguel · Easy–intermediate levelJohann Sebastian Bach

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme – BWV 645

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Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme – BWV 645

Context1747

LevelEasy–intermediate level

InstrumentPiano solo

EditionFingering · articulation

THE SCORE

A clear edition for playing with intention.

The score uses spacious notation, suggested fingering and clearly visible expressive marks, so that technical work always serves the character of the music.

Clearly separated layersMelody and accompaniment remain easy to distinguish.
Suggested fingeringGuidance for changes of position.
Readable articulationSlurs and attacks help shape each motif.
Visible expressionDynamics and hairpins guide the arc of the phrase.

MUSICAL CONTEXT

The story behind the music.

In his later years, Bach assembled a set of six chorale preludes for organ, most of them adapted from earlier vocal movements. Wachet auf originated as part of a cantata and was given a new life as an instrumental work. In doing so, Bach revisited some of his earlier compositions while carefully shaping his musical legacy.

AT THE PIANO

Three ideas to work on.

Work first on the pulse, then the balance, and finally the complete direction of the phrase.

A steady pulse.

Practise slowly and keep a regular inner beat before increasing the tempo.

Balanced voices.

Bring out the principal line while keeping the accompaniment flexible and secondary.

A directed phrase.

Join motifs into long arcs and use dynamics to lead each arrival.

FORMATS

This piece on its own or as part of the complete collection.

Choose the individual edition if you are looking for Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme – BWV 645; discover the book to explore twenty works by Bach, with context and recordings.

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