Suzuki Book 1: J.S. Bach - Minuet 2 (Violin Play Along and Lesson)
Hi everyone, Joel Kennedy here with Kennedy Violins! Today, we’re diving into another playing video, featuring Minuet No. 2 by J.S. Bach. You’ll find this classic piece in Suzuki Book 1, and it’s a fantastic one for violinists honing their foundational skills.
As always here's a PDF for you to download if you'd like to follow along.
Playing Through Minuet No. 2
I started by playing the piece without repeats for time, and then with a metronome set at 120 BPM to help clarify rhythm and note durations. Remember, this piece is in 3/4 time, with three beats per measure and the quarter note receiving the beat.
Key Details to Remember
- Key Signature: Minuet No. 2 is in G Major, meaning it has one sharp—F#.
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Finger Placement:
- On the D string, your second finger (F#) is high (touching the third finger).
- On the E string, the first finger (F#) is placed naturally in the same spot as other strings, rather than its low position.
- Make sure your third finger is in its natural position across all strings.
Techniques to Practice
One of the standout skills in Minuet No. 2 is distinguishing between legato and staccato bowing:
- Legato Notes: Play these smoothly and connected, as seen in the first measure.
- Staccato Notes: These require deliberate bow stops, as in the second measure. Focus on clarity and precision while keeping the bow controlled.
Practicing this contrast is essential for mastering bow control and expression.
Navigating Triplets
You’ll encounter eighth-note triplets in this piece, such as in the fourth line, third measure, and again near the end. A triplet squeezes three notes into one beat. A helpful way to practice is to say “trip-let” as you play to keep the rhythm steady.
Tackling High Third Fingers
One tricky section is in the second half (sixth line, third measure). It combines triplets with a high third finger (D#). Here’s how to make it easier:
- Practice without slurs: Focus on clean intonation before adding the bowing.
- Keep fingers anchored: Leave your first and third fingers down to stabilize your hand and improve accuracy.
- Check intonation: Ensure your fourth finger touches the high third finger for perfect tuning, and compare your fourth finger on the A string with the open E string for consistency.
Why Fourth Fingers Matter
In the second line, first measure, you alternate between fourth finger A and open E. While it might be tempting to skip the fourth finger and play open E, resist the urge! Practicing fourth fingers strengthens your hand, and the open E serves as a valuable reference for checking your intonation.
Navigating Repeats
Understanding repeats in Minuet No. 2 can feel tricky, but here’s the rundown:
- Play through to the first repeat sign (end of the fourth line). Go back to the beginning and repeat.
- Move to the second section, starting at measure 17. When you hit the next repeat sign, return to measure 17 and play to the end.
Wrapping It Up
Practicing Minuet No. 2 builds essential skills like legato and staccato bowing, triplet rhythms, and accurate finger placement—all while developing your ear for pitch.
To close, the Dartboard of Destiny has spoken: next week, we’ll tackle Minuet from Suzuki Book 3! Get ready to dive into another delightful piece (probably by Bach).
If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share—it helps us keep creating videos for you.
Happy practicing, and see you next time! 🎻
