Alan Mearns’ Astonishing Take on J.S. Bach’s Chaconne Goes Viral on GSI’s YouTube Channel!
We’re thrilled to share that Alan Mearns' latest recording for GSI has taken the world of classical guitar by storm! His performance of J.S. Bach’s "Chaconne" (BWV 1004) reached four times the usual number of viewers within the first 48 hours, making it one of the most remarkable launches we've seen in a long time.
Mearns gives his own thoughts on the monumental work. Mearns theorizes that the first minor section was Bach’s first draft of the entire chaconne, due to its completeness. He goes on to say that if this was the case then there would have been thirty three variations, which reflect the age of Jesus Christ when he was crucified as well as the age of his departed wife Maria Barbara. Mearns humbly points out that when he says the Bach/Mearns Chaconne, it is not to elevate himself to Bach but to confess that if there are any “musical sins” in his arrangement that they are his and nothing to do with Bach.
What makes this video even more extraordinary is the guitar on which Alan recorded his performance: a 1928 Hermann Hauser I SP/CSAR, a masterpiece of luthiery previously owned by the legendary guitarist Julian Bream. This historic instrument, with its unmatched tonal qualities and rich history, adds another layer of depth to Mearns’ already captivating interpretation.
If you like this unique version of “Chaconne”, the score is available for purchase below!
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