AVA218: I am working on BWV 615 (In dir ist Freude) from the Orgelbuchlein

Published: July 16, 2018, 8:50 a.m.

This question was sent by Bruce. He writes:\n\nHi Vidas and Ausra,\n\nI am working on BWV 615 (In dir ist Freude) from the Orgelb\xfcchlein, and I have a question about possibly moving a measure or two written for the pedals and taking them in the left hand instead.\n\nIn measure 8 (and later, equivalently in measure 24, and also possibly 4 bars from the end), it seems to me that the quasi-Alberti figure in the pedals could (and possibly should) be taken by the left hand. In terms of registration this also makes sense to me (allowing the pedals to have a 32 foot stop, and individuating the left hand from the pedal with a 16 foot stop in the left hand). Also, by doing this, the pedal part that is established in the wonderful figure in the first measure (and found throughout the piece), can be given it's own character. \n\nBesides, to be honest, my pedal technique still isn't quite up to a full measure of 8th notes yet ...\n\nA few quick questions then:\n\n1) Is it a common and acceptable practice for an organist to essentially move parts between manuals, and between manuals and pedals? I feel somewhat uncomfortable doing this (after all, who am I to alter Bach's written score?!).\n\n2) I'd like to hear your suggestions on registration for this work, if you would care to share them.\n\n3) As I am new to pedal work, can you suggest appropriate pedal footwork for the predominant figure in the pedals in this piece?\n\n(And yes, I am working on my pedal technique, it's coming along, thanks to your pedal power course ... slow and steady ... it's a miracle.)\n\nCheers,\n-Bruce