The Two-Part Invention No. 6 in E Major, BWV 777, is one of J.S. Bach's fifteen two-part inventions, composed around 1720. This radiant and luminous piece is characterized by its flowing sixteenth-note passages that cascade through both voices with effortless grace, evoking the warmth and brilliance of the E major tonality.
The invention features a lyrical theme built on smooth, stepwise motion and gentle leaps, creating a sense of continuous melodic flow. Bach's writing here emphasizes legato phrasing and the seamless transfer of musical material between the hands. The two voices interweave in a delicate tapestry of sound, with each part taking turns presenting and accompanying the main thematic material.
This invention is particularly valued for developing evenness of touch and tonal control. The sustained sixteenth-note movement requires careful attention to finger independence and dynamic shading, making it an excellent study in producing a singing tone on the keyboard. Its serene beauty and elegant craftsmanship make it one of the most beloved pieces in the collection.
Composed in
1720
Catalog
BWV 777
Source
Public Domain