Pedal-Exercitium, BWV 598

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Pedal-Exercitium
by Johann Sebastian Bach
Key G minor
Catalogue BWV 598
Form Cadenza
Composedbefore 1735
Durationapprox. 2 minutes
Movements1

The Pedal-Exercitium, BWV 598, is a short, virtuosic organ work for pedalboard alone, attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach and preserved in the handwriting of his son Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. It consists of rapid broken-chord figurations and large leaps, serving as both a technical showpiece and a pedal exercise. [1]

Contents

Historical context

The fragment survives without conclusion and its origins remain uncertain. Some scholars suggest it may have been transcribed on the spot by C. P. E. Bach from one of J. S. Bach's pedal improvisations. Musicologist Alberto Basso notes that it could reflect a spontaneous transcription of an improvisation by the father.

The contemporary organist Constantin Bellermann famously described Bach's pedal technique thus:

If this man so chooses, he can use only his feet ... to produce miraculous, quick and exciting harmonies ... such as those you see others produce with their fingers. [1]

Structure and musical characteristics

The 33-measure fragment in G minor is a spectacular pedal solo, notable for fast passages, broad leaps and unexpected chromaticism. It has been interpreted as either an independent exercise, a didactic demonstration, or a transcription of an improvisatory segment. [1]

Reception and legacy

The piece illustrates Bach's extraordinary pedal technique—praised by Bellermann as producing sounds "like lightning"—and is widely used in contemporary pedagogy. Organists and scholars regard it as a remarkable example of technical and musical mastery in pedal solo repertoire. [1]

Arrangements

Despite its origin as an organ pedal exercise, BWV 598 has inspired several transcriptions and arrangements for various instruments, often highlighting its virtuosic character:

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Pedal-Exercitium, BWV 598 – Bach (organ solo)". All of Bach. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  2. "Pedal-Exercitium for Recorder, transcribed by Kees Boeke". Kees Boeke official site. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  3. "Pedal Exercitium BWV 598 for Tuba Solo". martin-schmid-blechblaesernoten.de. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  4. "Pedalexercitium, BWV.598 transcribed for solo bass trombone". hickeys.com. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  5. "Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach: Pedal Excercition, for Viola". Babelio. Marco Misciagna. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  6. "List of solo viola arrangements – Marco Misciagna official website". marcomisciagna.com. Marco Misciagna. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  7. "Harpsichord transcription of Pedal-Exercitium BWV 598". thediapason.com. Retrieved 17 June 2025.