“Bach - French Suite No. 5 - BWV 816 - IV. Gavotte” is classified as a Level 6 Piano work worth 35,200 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Composers → Bach, Johann Sebastian and is part of the Baroque collection. The sheet music for “Bach - French Suite No. 5 - BWV 816 - IV. Gavotte” provided on this website is available for non-commercial use. This means it may be downloaded, printed, studied, and performed for personal or educational purposes, but it may not be sold, redistributed commercially, or used as part of a paid product without permission.
“Bach - French Suite No. 5 - BWV 816 - IV. Gavotte” is a short Baroque dance movement in G major and common time. The music uses a clear two-part form, repeated sections, steady eighth-note motion, simple contrapuntal texture, small ornaments, and balanced cadences. The piece has a light dance character, with the melody and accompaniment often moving in independent but connected lines.
Measures 1–4 introduce the opening gavotte idea. The right hand carries the main melodic line while the left hand supports it with simple bass motion and held tones. This opening establishes the graceful dance character of the movement.
Measures 5–7 complete the first repeated section. The music becomes slightly more active, with moving eighth notes in the left hand and a clear cadence at the repeat sign.
Measures 8–12 begin the second repeated section. The texture becomes more varied, with fuller chordal moments and a short passage where the left hand moves into the upper staff. This creates a stronger contrast after the opening section.
Measures 13–20 continue the second section with more active motion. The hands move through steady eighth-note patterns, small register changes, and brief chromatic color before returning toward the home key.
Measures 21–24 form the final closing phrase. The music settles back into G major and ends with a short ornament and a clear final cadence.
Interesting fact: This Gavotte is the fourth movement of Bach’s French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816. In the complete suite, it comes after the Sarabande and before the Bourrée.
How to earn points for this piece:
Download or purchase the sheet music.
Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.
Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay.
Submit a link to your video here for evaluation. We will watch your performance and give you feedback. If you need more practice, we will let you know what to work on and provide additional practice suggestions. You may also submit your video publicly so other users can evaluate it.
If your performance is approved, your video will be accepted and you can collect your points.
Submit Video