Musical contribution - October 2016

Andante (from violin sonata in A minor) (B.W.V. 1003) J.S. Bach

Last summer, I received an email from one of our regular visitors who frequently makes use of the musical contribution. He asked if I would take a look at the above mentioned violin sonata, in particular the Andante section, for which he wanted an organ arrangement.

This is a challenging request however, in that the sonata is written for a violin solo, that is, unaccompanied. This means that if you wanted true harmony, you would have to devise it yourself. Naturally, the two-part Andante is a good start, but there is no three- or four-part harmony. Or it should be an arrangement by the Russian composer and pianist, Alexander Siloti.

I was not familiar with this sonata, but after listening to it I started work, and the result is this month’s musical contribution. Personally, I am deeply impressed by this beautiful melody. The accompaniment can supply the eighth beat, but this shouldn’t be over-emphasised in order to prevent it becoming too ‘square’.

There are many possible combinations for the leading stop, as long as it remains rich in tone.

Perhaps there are other organists among you with ideas - we’d like to hear them!

Musical regards,

André van Vliet