Menuetto in G major

One half of a paired dance

K.1e is the G-major minuet paired with the C-major Trio K.1f. The historical score presents them together, with the Trio directing the player back to the minuet. Heard in that setting, this is an opening statement with a contrasting middle, rather than merely an isolated page. Its descending figures and answering lower notes give the dance a conversational character.

At the keyboard

Practise the opening as an exchange between the hands. Let the lower answer arrive clearly after the written rest, without filling the silence or hurrying to the next gesture. Then play the minuet beside the Trio and listen for a difference in character that still belongs to the same larger dance.

Music in this edition

1. Menuetto in G major