Inventions and sinfonias

The Inventions and Sinfonias, BWV 772–801, also known as the Two- and Three-Part Inventions, are a collection of thirty short keyboard compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): 15 inventions, which are two-part contrapuntal pieces, and 15 sinfonias, which are three-part contrapuntal pieces.

1. When was Inventions and Sinfonias composed?
2. What are Bachs inventions?
3. What is a sinfonia Bach?
4. Why did Bach write two inventions?

When was Inventions and Sinfonias composed?

The Inventions and Sinfonias (1720; revised 1723) are 30 pieces of keyboard music (15 each in sinfonia and invention) composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. They are sometimes known as the Two and Three Part Inventions.

What are Bachs inventions?

As far as Bach was concerned, an invention is a short exercise written for private practice by keyboard students – which has a two-part counterpoint. ... Compositions in the same style as an invention but using three-part counterpoint are known as sinfonias.

What is a sinfonia Bach?

The Italian opera overture, or sinfonia, evolved into the autonomous orchestral symphony by way of a three-part form (fast-slow-fast) that became standard in the late 17th century. ... Thus, Johann Sebastian Bach called his three-part keyboard inventions sinfonie.

Why did Bach write two inventions?

Bach put these inventions together with a learning purpose, for “those desirous of learning” to see a “clear way … to learn to play cleanly in two parts … correctly and well. Above all, however, to achieve a cantabile style in playing and at the same time acquire a strong foretaste of composition.” (J. S.