24 BACH | THE FRENCH SUITES (BWV 812-817) What about the ornamentation of these pieces? Bach leaves us many indications of ornamentation in his scores, but since the repeats are not written out, it is up to the performer to enrich the melodic line. This is an art that comes naturally to harpsichordists but one with which pianists are less accustomed. It is not, however, necessary to add a great many notes on the piano, since one can also introduce variety by playing with dynamics or by individualising the voices. Nevertheless, it is important to keep this notion of ornamentation in mind and to take inspiration from harpsichordists in this field. I have studied with some of them, and that has greatly influenced me, even if I have not sought to imitate them. It is essential to find the right balance between knowledge and instinct, bearing in mind that there are countless possibilities for ornamentation and that each concert may bring something different.
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