Largo BWV 1056 by JS Bach Lesson
In this article, Simon offers a lesson and performance on Largo BWV1056 by JS Bach.
This small section is from a keyboard concerto by J.S. Bach originally written for harpsichord. The thin texture of the original score lend itself to the classical guitar and with this small excerpt we can partake in some of the great music written by this beloved composer.
Largo BWV 1056 Performance:
Largo BWV 1056 Lesson:
Rhythm
We have sixteenth notes right at the beginning of this short excerpt. As a result it can be easy to rush and establish a tempo that is a bit off. So I recommend using subdivision to establish a very firm pulse without rushing. This is especially important in places where there’s some syncopation and the sixteenths start on the upbeat.
Voices
Next, you might work on playing each voice separately. Just playing the bass line can help you develop rhythm and pulse but also tone. We can imagine cellos or double basses playing this line. And it’s important to try to capture that soundworld. Playing the part separately and getting it into your ears can really help.
Then we would do the same thing with the melody. What we’re listening for here is phrasing and shape. Again, try to keep the tone consistent and not allow open strings to stand out too much.
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This lesson is one part of a five-part course on this wonderful short piece of music at CGC Academy. Join CGC Academy today to get access to the whole course.
Yes I am interested in this format.
Although I have been playing for many years, I am self taught with videos and tapes. I can only read tab and usually play steel strings.
i love your transcription, i can feel the sense of contrapuntal same as the original version, great job
Yes, I really like your lessons. I have purchased lessons like this on the internet from other guitar teachers, and have learned a great deal, however , I must say your analysis of music is much more detailed yet simply said. Please continue.
Hello All,
I sure wish I knew what “contrapuntal” was:)
Meantime….. I am also trying, (not that successfully to teach myself classical guitar.
I am happy to learn without the guitar tabs, though at some point, I’m sure that it might be a good idea for me to know tab.
For right now though, I’m pleased to learn the notation version.
Cheers!
Very generous and typical of you, Simon. Thank you. I’m eager to try the tab version as I’ve never worked in that format before. Question though. Why the different finger designations between the manuscript version and the tab version?
Hi Simon,
As someone struggling to learn to read music better, I do appreciate being able to refer to tab as well. Maybe a tab version and a written version?
I also like the ability to purchase individual pieces. I would love to sign up for full membership, but just can’t afford it. Especially the lower grade pieces.
Hi Simon. It is great to have separate lessons to purchase. And TAB is helpful for many people.
I agree with Scott!
Best
Lennart
Hi SImon,
I’m not a big fan of Bach to be honest, but I do need to learn how to read TAB, as I don’t think I’m cut out for sheet music.
I prefer Schubert, especially Standchen, love the video of Marcin Dylla playing this piece.
I’m probably going to purchase the TAB for Autumn Leaves from Yenne Lee.
TABS please for all these wonderful tunes
Yes, please keep doing these. It would be nice to see some more modern music too, like Leo Brouwer.
For me, reading sheet music is the best. I was never comfortable with Tab probably because I learned to read first. I really enjoy your material.
What a lovely piece of music. Huge thanks to Edson Lopes for allowing you to use it.
Individual access to the lessons is a great idea for those of us who are not sure about a full membership. I will make use of this, more please.
TAB is good, sort of. I can cope with reading the notes during small excursions above the 2nd position. With grand tours the TAB makes for a faster learning process of the piece but slows down the learning of the fret board.
Always good to to view and listen to different insights and views on the performance of Classical Guitar Music. Would be very supportive of the idea of more of this type content in regards purchasing a course/content or specific lessons that would aid the development of essential skills.
Hi Simon,
Beautiful performance. Thanks for sharing. This is one of my favorite pieces; especially great for listening when going through a sad event.
I really like this piece and have the Tabs from your Classicalguitarcirner but was wondering if there is an edition that is missing, more than 13 bars???
Hi Richard,
Yes, this is a fragment of the original. The second section that is not a part of this arrangement is not only longer than the first section, but also significantly more difficult. So we chose only to include the first section to keep it at around a Grade 4 level. We have some members who have been working on their own arrangements of the full piece and there are other full arrangements for guitar available out there.
Peace,
Dave B (CGC team)