Bach - Partita No.2 In C Minor (bwv 826), and a question about Partitas in general Options

[Cadence]

I'm just going through some of the ATCL repertoire lists to get some ideas on pieces to play, and I came across Bach's Partita No.2 in C Minor.

I have never been a huge Bach fan, but when I listened to the recordings below, my heart leapt - it really is beautiful! What I'm wondering though is whether it is OK to put in a lot of ornamentation when you a not a master pianist?!

I love adding in ornamentation where it sounds good, but I'm not sure whether I can get away with it when I'm not an authoritative player. I know that Bach wrote for performers in an era where they were expected to improvise in this way, but we live in a very different time and I know some people are unforgiving when it comes to deviating from the score!

And it does sound gorgeous when Feltsman adds them in:

Feltsman - Sinfonia

Feltsman - Allemande

Feltsman - Cappriccio

The only thing is, on the ATCL list, it is asking the candidate to play: "Sinfonia, Allemande & Capriccio (from Partita no. 2 in C minor BWV826)" Does this work? Because when I had a look at the score, it goes Sinfonia, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Rondeau, Capriccio. So in asking for those specific 3 parts/movements to be played together, they are not in consecutive order. (although I do see how they are the first 2 and the final one, which does make sense in a way) - But would that make sense in general to perform it like that when not playing a whole 'Partita'?

[fsharpminor]

This is a great Partita, the Capriccio is wonderful, though I find that sometimes I get a wrong note where those leaps of a tenth come - loads of them ! I dont think I've ever played it without some being wrong ! And I have big hands. (My school nickname was 'fingers' for at least one reason)
But as to your general question, I do think you can play those three movements as they are. However I do think a fair amount of ornamentation is necessary in the Sinfonia, and you would be expected to play it properly at Dip level. I'd listen to a few different recordings if you get the chance, my favourite on these is Angela Hewitt.
Please dont try to play the Capriccio at the speed of Martha Argerich on You Tube, its totally destroyed ! Feltsmann is about right.

[Cadence]

So I've started the Partita; just working on the Sinfonia at the moment, before I move onto the Allemande, and it is so beautiful! I don't know why I haven't discovered these before - it would have completely changed my perception of Bach's music as the partitas are really moving. I never thought I could find Bach emotional!

[HelenVJ]

Murray Perahia has just issued a great recording of all 6 Partitas - for me, this is a definitive recording! And another of my very fav pianists, Piotr Anderszewski, has recorded 1,3 and 6. I haven't yet heard Feltsman - will try to have a listen later today.

Happy exploring, Cadence - all 6 Partitas are wonderful

[heartbeat]

I love this piece! I only discovered it because the first movement is on the Grade 8 list this year - I'm doing the Sinfonia for my C piece. Hope you enjoy playing it!