How to Play Invention No. 13 by Bach on Piano (2 Levels, Free)
Learn Bach's Invention No. 13 on piano: listen to the simple and original versions, then play the level of your choice with falling notes, right in your browser.
Listen and play: 2 levels
Intermediate
Right hand
Advanced
Both hands
About the piece
Invention No. 13 in A minor is one of the fifteen two-part inventions composed by Johann Sebastian Bach around 1720. Originally written as keyboard exercises for his students, these pieces are famous for their counterpoint, where two independent musical lines interact equally.
This piece is a technical challenge that requires agility and independence between the left and right hands. It remains a staple of the piano repertoire for developing precision, articulation, and musical clarity.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: focus on the primary melody line to master the phrasing and articulation before introducing the counterpoint.
- Both hands: the complete version requiring full independence of the left and right hands playing the two-part imitation.
Fingering and hand position
This piece demands a flexible hand and careful finger management to navigate the rapid shifts. Keep your hands relaxed and maintain a light, detached touch to ensure that every note is clear. Pay attention to the recurring motifs and ensure your fingering allows for smooth transitions between positions.
Focus on maintaining a consistent pulse throughout. Because both hands are equally important in this piece, practice them separately until you are comfortable with the fingering for each part before attempting to combine them.
Practice tips
- Listen to the performance to understand the dialogue between the two voices.
- In Rhythm mode, reduce the speed significantly to ensure your fingers find the correct notes consistently.
- Practice one hand at a time until the movements feel natural.
- Maintain a steady tempo rather than rushing through the quick passages.
- Watch the falling notes carefully to anticipate the upcoming finger requirements.
Learn it step by step
Start by identifying the main subject that appears in both hands. Learn this pattern slowly to build muscle memory. Practice the piece one phrase at a time, ensuring that the articulation remains crisp. Once each hand is steady at a slower speed, begin combining them at a reduced tempo, focusing on the interplay between the two parts. Gradually increase the speed only when you can play the passage without errors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Invention No. 13 easy to play on piano?
No. It is considered an intermediate to advanced piece, especially regarding hand independence and precise articulation.
What is the structure of this piece?
It is a two-part invention, meaning it features two independent melodic lines that imitate each other throughout the piece.
Who composed Invention No. 13?
Johann Sebastian Bach composed it as part of his collection of two-part inventions for keyboard around 1720.
How long does it take to learn Invention No. 13 on piano?
Depending on your skill level, it can take several weeks or months of regular, focused practice to master the technical nuances.
Which fingers should I use for this piece?
Use standard scale fingering patterns adapted for the specific intervals of the piece. Keep your hands loose to allow for quick adjustments.
Can I play this piece without an acoustic piano?
Yes. You can use DOLI PIANO on a tablet, a computer keyboard, or any MIDI-compatible keyboard to practice this piece for free.
Do I need to read sheet music to learn it?
No. The falling notes on the screen guide your fingers to the correct keys, making it accessible to learn even without traditional music reading skills.
What should I play after Invention No. 13?
You could explore other pieces from Bach's inventions, such as Invention No. 1 or No. 8, or move on to pieces by Scarlatti.
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