David Kraus: The Listening Room
Sarabande in Bminor
David Kraus ~ classical guitarReturn to Tunes
From the "Partita No. 1 for Solo Violin" this piece was arranged for the classical guitar, as were hundreds
of Bach's compositions which were originally written for other instruments. With certain harmonic additions to the the chords and some of the melodic phrases, this Sarabande sounds as if it were originally meant to be played on the guitar. Though the violin plays mostly single tones, in solo works two tones played together is common to fill out the harmonies. But three notes are rare and four notes are never heard. The guitar on the other hand with its wide tonal range and allowing the performer to play as many as six notes at once makes musical pieces like this one sound bigger and fuller, like a small orchestra. The Sarabande in Bminor heard here is very well known and is a great piece for weddings. It is in two sections, an "A" part played twice, and a "B" part played twice. But as in much of this music, either part or both parts can be repeated over and over again making for a beautiful march, and then are easily brought to a climax and ending. It is a favorite with many listeners.Return to Chronicles
