Cello-Suite No. 1, BWV 1007 (for Guitar)

Suite Nr. 1 fur Violoncello, BWV 1007

By John Duarte

I have studied closely every guitar transcription of Bach's Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. John Duarte published transcriptions of Suites #1 and #3 with Schott Music and Suite #4 with Novello. His editions of the first and third are the only ones to add a bass line which J...

.S. Bach, himself, might have written. The fingerings are by the great John Williams and they are sometimes too hard for the less-than-accomplished guitarist, but they can easily be changed to accommodate those individuals. Other editions, particularly by Yates are far too scanty and sound rather empty. Yates also attempts to rearrange some of the implied or intrinsic counterpoint by moving those voices to the bass part. When Bach did this it was successful, when Yates tries it he fails miserably. If you want an easier version better than the Yates try Frank Koonce's fine publication of Suites 1, 2 and 3. But for the advanced player its really hard to surpass the excellent versions by the late John Duarte.

I am sorry to give a negative review. I have many Schott publications, and until now have been satisfied. This publication has difficult fingerings with little or no return for effort. Other publications (and even a free download) are far more satisfactory. Having played for 50 years and taught for...

30 years, I am very disappointed, and can only believe that the arranger must be seeking copywright income. A poor job!

Very beautiful harmonies created by bass passages. Nothing too difficult, a few questionable fingerings which have to do with personal preference.

Not an easy arrangement,many basses that not in original Cello ; ) and some parts very hard....Whatever is a good book

This is basically the same transcription (Duarte's) that Segovia and Williams played in the 60's, revised by Duarte in the 80's. Not the easiest to play, but possibly the best. But check out Stanley Yate's work too, his work seems to be becoming the new standard...

for guitar transcriptions of Bach's Cello Suites..