Sheet Music: Prelude

TitlePrelude
from Cello Suite No. 6 in D major
Opus numberBWV 1012
ComposerJohann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
InstrumentationFlute solo
KeyD major
RangeD4–C#7
Time signature12/8
Tempo84 BPM
Performance time5:00
Difficulty leveladvanced
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (135 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (2.4 MB)
Date added2012-04-05
Last updated2012-04-05
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Categories
Baroque

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Thursday 5 April 2012

Tune of the Day: Prelude by J.S. Bach

from Cello Suite No. 6, transcribed for solo flute

The Prelude to Johann Sebastian Bach's sixth Suite for unaccompanied cello, written in a steady triple meter, is the only place in the whole set where the composer employed dynamic markings. With just a few forte and piano, he simulates the effect of a Vivaldi-like echo sonata with phrases calling, responding, and gradually growing and developing into a fast-moving and playful cadenza and an untroubled recapitulation.

The famous cellist Mstislav Rostropovich called this suite “a symphony for solo cello”, and characterized its D major tonality as evoking joy and triumph.

Other Movements from the same Work

1.Prelude Flute solo
2.Allemande Flute solo
3.Courante Flute solo
4.Sarabande Flute solo
5.Gavotte I and II Flute solo
6.Gigue Flute solo