Of the six cello suites of Johann Sebastian Bach, the fourth one is the least played by cellists. Its prelude, which consists of arpeggios with large leaps, and its original keyE flatmake it a particularly difficult piece. The problem with the prelude is indeed no problem at all when the piece is transcribed for the guitar, and a simple transposition from E flat to A major makes the piece sound as if it were written for the instrument. In fact, Bach himself transcribed the fifth cello suite fo... (more)

Of the six cello suites of Johann Sebastian Bach, the fourth one is the least played by cellists. Its prelude, which consists of arpeggios with large leaps, and its original keyE flatmake it a particularly difficult piece. The problem with the prelude is indeed no problem at all when the piece is transcribed for the guitar, and a simple transposition from E flat to A major makes the piece sound as if it were written for the instrument. In fact, Bach himself transcribed the fifth cello suite for lute (Lute Suite No. 3), which has prompted guitarists to transcribe the remaining suites for guitar. Having said this, the fourth cello suite still remains the most obscure for cellists and guitarists alike. This transcription of the fourth cello suite is an idiomatic rendition of Bach's work that deserves a place next to the more popular suites.

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Excellent transcription!
Bach´s six suites for solo cello is one of the brightes shining gems in the history of music. Duane Large has made a very nice transcription of the 4th suite for guitar. As a guitarist myself I can assure any reader that this trancription is very idiomatic, almost as if it actually was written for the guitar. Mr. Large has also added fingering which should facilitate for most guitarist to study the pieces.

Klas Krantz