(PDF) Complete Violin Partita No. II in D minor BWV 1004 by J.S. Bach transcribed for guitar
(PDF) Complete Violin Partita No. II in D minor BWV 1004 by J.S. Bach transcribed for guitar
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Gigue
Chaconne
In creating this transcription of J. S. Bach’s Violin Partita No. 2, BWV 1004, my goal was to treat the guitar as a vessel for Bach’s musical ideas, highlighting the original intent while adapting it to the instrument. In adapting a piece for another instrument, one must understand its possibilities and limitations and draw on experience to determine the best way to render the music. Throughout this transcription, extra bass notes fill out harmonies, always with the guitar’s sound in mind. Detailed left- and right-hand fingerings, along with interpretive markings, guide the guitarist in realizing the music’s structure and phrasing, bringing out its character with ease. Every marking is intended to serve the overarching musical ideas, allowing the performer to focus on conveying the depth, subtlety, and expressive power inherent in Bach’s composition.
Recording of this edition is available on: Ascension CD
Reviews:
Amazing transcription for guitar, the fingerings are all logical and helpful, and the fleshed out harmonies are definitely an appropriate addition. I really enjoy working on it. I've worked on two other transcriptions of the chaconne and its been very helpful to reference each one, especially Yuri's because his intention with certain fingerings is clear. The other 4 pieces are very nice too. This is the first edition I've used to learn the entire partita, and so far its been successful. There's a video on youtube of him playing the allemande, which is very nice to see his ideas in action.
This is a gorgeous, very well thought out transcription for guitar of one of the most beautiful works by Bach. I highly recommend this transcription for any guitarist who happens to be a follower of Bach’s works. Yuri Liberzon has contributed a mighty work for the repertoire of the classic guitar, and the detail that has gone into this is a gift for all of us. Thank you Yuri!
Fantastic transcription of an amazing piece of music!
Yuri Liberzon's transcription of the infamous complete Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor for unaccompanied violin, BWV 1004 is outstanding! It is clear that a lot of thought and effort was put into making this transcription.
His inventive approach certainly makes the piece alive and it translates from the violin to the guitar with ease. Yuri takes advantage of the guitar's lower register and adds bass notes where opportunity arises, thus creating a fuller sound and wider range to this masterpiece while utilizing additional resources of the guitar. This can especially be felt in the Chaconne, where he takes the bass notes and places them an octave below on the second beats. This provides extra emphasis on them, which is characteristic of chaconnes and passacaglias in the Baroque era.
Yuri uses his imagination in order to fill in the counterpoint where the music allows to do so. It is done with good taste and with a strong sense of harmony as well as considerations of performance practices of the time. In Yuri's transcription of the arpeggio section of the Chaconne, he exploits guitar technique in various ways by getting quicker, denser and more intense where the guitar allows to do so. This helps the piece to have a wider range of emotion, dynamics and intensity.
Another great aspect of this transcription is the incredible attention details to the fingering, and other notations. Fingerings are very idiomatic and almost EVERY NOTE is marked by both left and right hand fingerings, which makes it easier to sight-read.
I have played the Chaconne for over two years and this is the most exceptional transcription I have came across. It not only explores the possibilities of classical guitar, but also brings the piece closer to what the violin is capable of executing.