versions of (bwv1006a) Prelude

[OldC1guy]

I've been working on this piece for a couple months now, and it is probably more than I can handle, but it does keep getting better, so I keep working on it. I've looked at many versions which all have different fingering, but one that surprised me was with 3rd string tuned to F#. Watching it performed by several artists, all of whom use different fingering (positions) from my version makes me wonder if there is an "accepted" version or is it whatever works for you?

I'm using a version by Eythor Thorlaksson, with some of my own modifications. I'm wondering if the 3rd string to F# version is popular, and what all of you who play this piece use. I had worked on Gavottte en Rondeu with fair success, and after hearing the prelude decided to give it a try. It is one of my favorites on the CG.

I found that after you start with one version, it is not easy to change. I look forward to some responses. Thank you...

[guitarseller345645]

The F# version is closest to the lute version, I think.

I am playing a version that is in standard tuning - don't remember where I got it but it works and sounds fine. It is nice too in that you do not have to retune to play the Gavotte.

My 2 cents.

[pogmoor]

The F# version is closest to the lute version, I think.

That's misleading. Bach probably never wrote for the lute. If he had he would have written for the baroque lute which does not have "F#" tuning but a D minor tuning (adfadf).

[soundknight21]

The F# version is closest to the lute version, I think.

That's misleading. Bach probably never wrote for the lute. If he had he would have written for the baroque lute which does not have "F#" tuning but a D minor tuning (adfadf).

I am afraid that's not true. Bach did write for the lute. He used a harpsichord With a bell shaped bottom Called a lute harpsichord. Several were found with his possessions after he died. Apparently it sounded much like a lute.

[guitarseller345645]

That's misleading. Bach probably never wrote for the lute. If he had he would have written for the baroque lute which does not have "F#" tuning but a D minor tuning (adfadf).

My bad. I should have written "lute-harpsichord version". Thanks Soundknight.

[pogmoor]

I am afraid that's not true. Bach did write for the lute.

The lautenwerk or lute-harpsichord is not a lute, it's a keyboard instrument that was designed to sound like a lute. There is no historical justification based on original instrumentation for using F# tuning in this prelude. However, if it's easier to play that way there's no reason not to.

[OldC1guy]

Let me try this again. Let's forget about the 3rd string to F# version. What I was trying to find out is what version of the sheet music for those playing this piece you use, whose arrangement, or do you just go to "bare notes, and arrange it yourself. It's not that I love the version I am using, but I had to start somewhere. There are many places that my music is not in the same position as some that I have watched. I am looking for a better version, but I guess that is pretty subjective. Anyway, I will appreciate helpful replies.

Hank...

[Moderato]

I am afraid that's not true. Bach did write for the lute.

The lautenwerk or lute-harpsichord is not a lute, it's a keyboard instrument that was designed to sound like a lute. There is no historical justification based on original instrumentation for using F# tuning in this prelude. However, if it's easier to play that way there's no reason not to.

I'm with pogmoor on this one, he's correct.

[Moderato]

Let me try this again. Let's forget about the 3rd string to F# version. What I was trying to find out is what version of the sheet music for those playing this piece you use, whose arrangement, or do you just go to "bare notes, and arrange it yourself. It's not that I love the version I am using, but I had to start somewhere. There are many places that my music is not in the same position as some that I have watched. I am looking for a better version, but I guess that is pretty subjective. Anyway, I will appreciate helpful replies.

Hank...

I have a few versions, one by Konrad Ragossnig, Parkening's, Jerry Willard's, Frank Koonce, Delcamp's, probably a version or two I'm forgetting right now. Really what you have to do is compare all the versions and pick and choose the solutions you like best from each and then create your own hybrid version. Or you could just pick any of the versions I mentioned above and just go with that one, they're all really good and unless you're a professional with specific requirements, any of these versions will suit your needs (and even if you're a professional all those versions are concert quality). Let us know how it goes, what you decide and what your thoughts are. I'm always interested to hear other people's perspectives.

[andrewbassuk]

I'm working on this piece as well. I have the Frank Koonce book and highly recomend it. Note: the book has a wide range of sales prices online. If you shop, you should be able to get it for about $30. It's a fantastic book. Yes, this is a demanding piece. I've memorized 4/5ths of it but I think it will take a year after memorizing it to refine it and "perfect" if such a thing is possible.

The Koonce book also has the other Lute suites as well as the Prelude, Fugue and Allegro which is probably my favorite Bach piece.

Best luck and enjoy
Andrew

[Vlad Kosulin]

Speaking about Bach, we can only assume, unfortunately.
Yes, he most likely played only Lautenwerck on public, but at the same time it is documented fact that he owned at least one lute when he died. He was great organist, clavichordist, and harpsichordist, but it does not mean he could not play the lute, also. It is possible that being not a champion lutenist, he felt no sense in competing as lutenist with, say, Weiss who played his lute works with great success,and who was considered the best lutenist of his time. Bach was well aware of lute capabilities in virtuoso hands. Here is citation from Reichardt: "Whoever understands the difficulty of playing harmonic modulations and good counterpoint on the lute will be amazed and hardly believe when observers assure us that the great lutenist (from Drezden) Weiss competed in playing fantasias and fugues with Sebastian Bach, who was also great as a harpsichordist and organist."
Being a great musician, why would Bach wrote for the more limited Lautenwerck being well aware of the richness of tone the lute can deliver?
I believe that no matter did he play lute himself or not, Bach wrote for the Baroque lute, possibly using Lautenwerck the way many composers use piano.
IMHO.

[guitarseller345645]

Speaking about Bach, we can only assume, unfortunately.
Yes, he most likely played only Lautenwerck on public, but at the same time it is documented fact that he owned at least one lute when he died.

Thanks for the interesting info.