Six Cello Suites for Solo Double Bass, BWV 1007-12; Johann Sebastian Bach

Six Suites for double bass, BWV 1007-12 by Johann Sebastian Bach

Edited and transcribed by Mark Bernat. Published by International

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German composer of the Baroque period and widely considered one of the greatest composers in the Western canon. He carefully studied the work of his forebears and contemporaries, incorporating intricate counterpoint and harmonic innovations into a sophisticated style that represents the zenith of the Baroque tradition. Though he wrote predominantly religious music—including several passions and over 200 cantatas—he is most celebrated today for his profoundly moving instrumental music, including concertos, suites, and sonatas, including many for strings—such as his Cello Suites and Sonatas and Partitas for violin.

Bach’s six suites for unaccompanied cello (BWV 1007-1012) form the bedrock of the cello repertory and are indispensable to a classical cellist’s development, ranging from the intermediate level Suite No. 1 to the master level Suite No. 6. These six suites are widely considered Bach’s greatest masterpieces. These solo bass transcriptions by Mark Bernat maintain the integrity and character of Bach’s writing while making them idiomatic for basses. Suites Nos. 1, 2, 5, and 6 are presented in their original keys (and in tenor clef); Nos. 3 and 4 are transposed. All can also be played with solo tuning. Suite difficulty ranges from Grade 4-6, for early advanced to master level players.

CONTENTS:
Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007
Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008
Suite No. 3 in G Major (originally C Major), BWV 1009
Suite No. 4 in C Major (originally E-flat Major), BWV 1010
Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011
Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012