This is the orchestral prelude from Bach's Cantata BWV 42, a profound and moving instrumental work that sets a contemplative mood for the following vocal movements. Its contrapuntal texture and poignant melody are hallmarks of Bach's genius.
Master the intricate contrapuntal lines and achieve a rich, resonant sound with controlled pedaling.
Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats (BWV 42) is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 6 — meaning you can already play level 5–6 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats (BWV 42) lasts about 8 minutes.
Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats (BWV 42) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.