Bach Suite 996

[Aaron D. Powell]

Aaron D. Powell - 07:26am Feb 6, 2002 PST
classical guitarist

The Prelude and Gigue of this 1st lute suite has some very difficult areas in them. Any insight on fingerings of either of the two would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Eddy Westerik]

Eddy Westerik - 10:02pm Nov 6, 2002 PST (#1 of 3)
fingering

Hi Aaron,

Why is fingering so important to you ,where phrasing would be a far better lead!
Do you have a clear concept about playing Bach?

Ed Westerik.

[Aaron D. Powell]

Aaron D. Powell - 01:52pm Jan 7, 2003 PST (#2 of 3)
classical guitarist
clear concept on Bach?

Ed,

What do you mean a "clear concept about playing Bach?". I am confused by that question. My post was to see if anyone had any tips on re-arranging editorial fingering markings for any of the movements. Sometimes any little change in a fingering can make a passage much easier to play--at leats, that is my experience. I played the suite in my graduate recital back in Septemmber, and it is shelved right now. I figure when all the degree work is over, I can pull it out once again. So, what is your 'clear concept' on playing the music of Bach. I was just curious as to what you meant.

Aaron D. Powell

[Juan P Rodriguez]

Juan P Rodriguez - 03:57pm Mar 14, 2003 PST (#3 of 3)
be careful with Bach

Bach can be very confusing to play. He was such a great composer that is is difficult to tell at times what should be emphasized in many of his pieces. One thing to remember is that long notes do not have to be held for the full time and sometimes half of the time is even fine. You will save yourself a lot of headache by understanding this. Also keep in mind 1)Bach really wrote nothing "for" the guitar, and 2)Just because someone publishes a transcription does not mean that it worth trying to play. I hope this helps.

[Theresa]

Aaron, you might want to research various transcriptions from different artists. I regularly compare and contrast between pieces and find I can manipulate many pieces to fit and accomodate my own translations.

BV996 is a great piece. I has been championed by many, so it shouldn't be hard to find mulitiple renditions of this. You'll find Papa Segovia's version very interesting in comparison to others. :D

Where are you going to school?? I take it your recital went well. Good luck.

BTW, I think what Juan was eluding to was one should also be versed in the common practice period when approaching Bach or any Baroque composer. That said, I say if you are not concerned with this, just play the piece with your own insightfulness and transiterations.

Take care.

[RML]

Aron. There are several things that you have to take in consideration regarding the fingering. The most important is that independently of the several transcriptions for this suite you will always find two different tunnings for the prelude (the standard tunning and the other one that has the 6th string tunned in D). Personally, I like more the second tunning. The thing is that the fingering depends directly on the tunning, so you have to choose first. If you choose to play the prelude with the 6th in D, I can give you very helpful fingering for the prelude.
Another thing is that you just say that you have difficulties playing the prelude and the gige. If you can specify exactly in which passages do you have the problems it will be easier to help you.