Johann Sebastian Bach

Tacked onto the end of the third book of Clavier-Übung (Keyboard Practice), his monumental compilation of music for harpsichord published in 1739, the Duetto (4) of Johann Sebastian Bach (1675-1750) are in essence two-part inventions. The first Duetto in E minor, BWV 802, features invertible counterpoint and imitative textures. The work opens with a statement scale-like theme in the right hand with a simple accompaniment in the left hand followed by the theme in the left hand with the accompaniment in the right hand. The first development section is imitative counterpoint between both hands, followed by the second statement of the theme as a canon in both hands. The second development for both hands is fuller and more detailed, followed by the third statement of the theme in a more elaborate form for both hands. The third development section features the opening phrase of the scale-like theme for both hands, followed by a fourth and final statement of the theme spread in imitation between both hands before the final cadence.

-- AllMusic.com