BACH – Cello ‘1 by 6’ Music 1 – Courante from Suite No.1 – SIX CELLOS

Other Identification:

Notes:
This is one of three ‘Bachian’ pieces which are presented almost surely for the first time in special versions on SIX cellos. These are real sextets, and not merely five accompanying parts to the original solo cello lines of J.S. Bach.

The three pieces in question are:
I – Courante (from the Cello Suite No. 1)
II – Gavottes (from the Cello Suite No.6)
III – Courante (from the Cello Suite No.6)

They can be admirable as a set, in the above order of interpretation, though they also work perfectly when each is performed individually.

For it to be a resounding success, the accompanying parts are always to be extremely light. Melody lines are well indicated by right-angled lines (see general score if in doubt). Long sustained notes should be pedals in the background, like sustained horn notes in orchestral writing. Shorter notes should be even shorter! Meaning that quarter-notes (crotchets) are best played as light eight-notes (quavers) – and eight-notes (quavers) as 16th notes (semi-quavers). These are of special importance in all these frequent moments where the melodic interest changes from one part to another.

Dynamics are not included; these are individual to each interpretation, though it is usually fairly easy to see in these multi-cello versions where more or less intensity is called for.
Enjoy it!