6 Suites for Harp Original for Solo Cello Volume 1 BWV1007-1008 - J.S Bach

Standard: Intermediate     Harp Type: Pedal Harp

Suite I BWV 1007 

• Prelude 
• Allemande 
• Courante
• Sarabande 
• Menuet 1 
• Menuet 2 
• Gigue 

Suite II BWV 1008 

• Prelude
• Allemande 
• Courante 
• Sarabande 
• Menuet 1 
• Menuet 2 
• Gigue 

FOREWORD

A cellist's treasure, Bach's Six Cello Suites prove just as fascinating for other instruments. Hence the many versions for flute, clarinet, trombone, marimba, guitar, theorbo...

While it is judicious to play the Suites on a monodic instrument, it is much more difficult to transcribe them for a polyphonic one. The harmony is so well integrated in Bach's writing that to add anything to his music seems criminal.

Yet I ventured to do so, for the sheer pleasure of being able to play these masterpieces and do them justice.

The original text being too low for harp, I transposed it up one octave and decided to add an occasional bass note when necessary to give it more body. I have tried to render the subtle bowing, articulation and fullness of the cello while bringing out the harp.

My approach is quite different from Marcel Grandjany's on Bach's violin Sonatas and Partitas. Like cellists, harpists must always think about phrasing, legato and tempo in order to build up their own interpretation. A quest without end...

I wish to thank Roger Boutry for his precious advice, artistic contribution and friendly support.