Score Reduction and Simplification as a Learning Tool in J.S. Bach's Allemande from Partita No. 6 in E Minor, BWV 830

This treatise examines the use of reductions and simplifications as learning tools. These tools are applied to the study of J.S. Bach's Allemande from Partita No. 6 in E Minor, BWV 830. There are three types of reductions explored in this treatise: melodic, harmonic, and structural. There are two levels of melodic reductions, the first of which is the simple melodic framework and the second of which is a mid-level reduction. The harmonic reductions are in three different voicing styles: keyboard style, blocked chords, and closest position chords. The structural reduction at the end aims to provide a playable structural framework for the entire composition. These reductions are inspired by analytical methods such as Schenkerian analysis but are meant to remain idiomatic to the keyboard and practical for the pianist. The benefits of utilizing reductions and simplifications are numerous and include increased understanding of the score, decreasing the risk of memorization mistakes in performance, bridging the gap between analysis and performance, and decreasing the pianist's reliance on visual and kinesthetic components of the music.