Allemande and Courante in A major

Johann Sebastian BachBWV 838

BaroqueWell-knownsuiteA majorAllemande3/4~4 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 9ABRSM 8

About this piece

Bach's Allemande and Courante from BWV 838 is a substantial keyboard work showcasing his mastery of Baroque counterpoint and melodic invention. The Allemande, in particular, is characterized by its noble and flowing character.

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Teacher notes

Requires meticulous attention to voice leading and precise ornamentation.

Technical focus

counterpointornamentationvoicingflowing-sixteenthscantabile

Mood

elegantcontemplativelyrical

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Allemande and Courante in A major (BWV 838) by Johann Sebastian Bach?

Allemande and Courante in A major (BWV 838) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 9.

What level do I need to play Allemande and Courante in A major?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Allemande and Courante in A major?

A typical performance of Allemande and Courante in A major (BWV 838) lasts about 4 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Allemande and Courante in A major?

Allemande and Courante in A major (BWV 838) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.