Four Minuets by J.S. Bach: Four Duets for Middle-Level and High School Performers

For every instrument, there is a need for printed music which is appropriate for beginners, intermediate, and advanced performers. These duets are intended for middle-level and high school musicians on any instrument. This collection of Bach’s minuets from the 1725 Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach enables an instrumentalist to explore the Baroque style of the early 1700s while performing with another person. These arrangements, each lasting between 1 and 2½ minutes, can be performed by like-instruments of any combination. The three selections are arranged in concert key with parts for all instrument transpositions (which may be photocopied).C Instruments in Treble Clef Bb Instruments in Treble Clef Eb Instruments in Treble Clef F Instruments in Treble Clef C Instruments in Bass Clef Low C Instruments in Bass Clef Besides using these arrangements to feature aspiring musicians at concerts and recitals, they could be used to showcase entire sections of ensembles and instrument voicings in middle-level bands. These arrangements would be useful at higher grades with smaller bands and performing groups of limited instrumentation. The minuets are short, each less than 32 measures in length , with relatively easy rhythmic demands and range. They provide opportunities to develop articulation, especially staccato and legato, and hear harmonies. They are written in 3/4-time signature. Played with repeats, the dances are in easy-to-hear Baroque style and provide young students with the experience of playing triple meter in one.