The following is a reprint of Henry Doktorski's Forward to the score of this arrangement (with the first page of the score appearing below the text).

However, for an even more interesting and anecdotal exploration into the origins of this polka by Bach, click HERE

"The Duetto from Cantata #78 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was originally scored for four musicians: two singers - a boy soprano and alto, and two stringed instruments - a violoncello and violone, which were the ancestors of the modern cello and bass fiddle. The soprano and alto voices entwine in a delightful duet of loving petition to the Lord (The text is printed below).

The violoncello provides a driving eighth note rhythmic accompaniment which pauses for breath only at the principal cadences. The violone part, marked pizzicato by Bach, provides a steady beat of quarter notes which is essentially a derivation from the violoncello part.

Following is the correlation between the original score and the arrangement for accordion quartet:

Soprano = Violin register music with stems up
Alto = Violin register music with stems down
Violincello = Bandoneon register music and left hand chords
Violone = Left hand bass

The accordionists might try to perform this piece with a feel for the original instrumentation by Bach. While playing the soprano and alto parts (sections marked violin) the artist may make his instrument "sing" like a young boy treble, in a light and agile manner. The section performed with the Bandoneon register might be played slightly detached to emphasize the steady rhythm of the violoncello. The bass notes may also play in a slightly detached manner to imitate a bass fiddle."

Cassette and video recordings of this piece are available from the publisher.

Henry Doktorski, 4/18/91