Canon in A minor

Johann Sebastian BachBWV 1074

BaroqueSpecialistinventionA minorModerato4/4~1 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 6ABRSM 5

About this piece

Like its companion BWV 1073, this canon showcases Bach's ability to construct complex polyphony from simple thematic kernels. It is a highly compressed masterclass in Baroque imitation.

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Teacher notes

Focus on the articulation of the subject to ensure it remains distinct during the imitation.

Technical focus

counterpointfinger-independencearticulation

Mood

intellectualcontemplative

Your status

Not in your repertoire

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Canon in A minor (BWV 1074) by Johann Sebastian Bach?

Canon in A minor (BWV 1074) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.

What level do I need to play Canon in A minor?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 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 Canon in A minor?

A typical performance of Canon in A minor (BWV 1074) lasts about 1 minute.

Where can I get free sheet music for Canon in A minor?

Canon in A minor (BWV 1074) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.