Concerto in G minor

Johann Sebastian BachBWV 975

BaroqueSpecialisttoccataG minorAllegro4/4~4 min

About this piece

This piece is a keyboard transcription by Bach of a concerto by Vivaldi. It is distinctive for its driving rhythmic vitality and the idiomatic way Bach translates violin-centric figurations into piano textures.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: independent voices that must each sing on their own line; ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in; and fine finger independence within the hand.

Beyond that, expect continuous sixteenth-note figuration that must ripple, not chatter, and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.

Teacher notes

The primary challenge is maintaining clear, crisp articulation in the fast moving sixteenth-note passages while managing voice balance in the contrapuntal sections.

Technical focus

counterpointornamentationfinger-independenceflowing-sixteenthsarticulation

Mood

energeticintellectual

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Concerto in G minor

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The next step up

Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.

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Browse all Henle level 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Concerto in G minor (BWV 975) by Johann Sebastian Bach?

Concerto in G minor (BWV 975) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.

What level do I need to play Concerto in G minor?

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 Concerto in G minor?

A typical performance of Concerto in G minor (BWV 975) lasts about 4 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Concerto in G minor?

Concerto in G minor (BWV 975) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Concerto in G minor?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Concerto in G major by Johann Sebastian Bach, Concerto in G minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, Concerto in C major by Johann Sebastian Bach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.