Product Description
The purpose of this book is to make these pieces accessible to guitarists of all ages whether notation readers, tab readers or improvisers. They can be performed either finger style or with a plectrum.
Grading
These pieces range from Grade 5 to 8 and beyond. Many are listed in the grade repertoire of various exam boards. Please check with your boards current list.
Adaptations and additions
As the original cello pieces are mostly monophonic, optional additional bass notes have been added to the score or suggested through chord symbols. The fingering generally allows for either approach. However, using a plectrum may require omitting some additional bass notes.
Additional notable alterations
Cello Suite no. 1 BWV 1007
Transposed to C Major. Original Cello key: G Major.
Prelude: pedal bass from bar 31 changed to low G instead of D to function more appropriately on a guitar in standard tuning.
Sarabande: optional 6ths harmony added in bar 2.
Menuet 2: the note A flat is used instead of A natural for the final note in bars 3 and 7. This is my personal preference. Revert to original A natural if preferred.
Cello Suite no. 2 BWV 1008
Transposed to A minor. Original Cello key: D minor.
Prelude: pedal E bass added to bars 30 to 34 and 43 to 47.
Audio Recording available
An audio recording is available from all major digital music services and from my website. Search for Bach for Guitar: Cello Suites 1 and 2, Pete Downes in your preferred music service.
www.petedownes.com
Apple Music
Spotify
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.