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| J.S Bach |
Title: Cello Suite No 1 in G Major
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Composed during the period 1717–1723
The Prelude of the 1st Suite for unaccompanied cello by J.S. Bach is possibly the most immediately recognisable solo work for the instrument. The movement starts with an arpeggiated figure that takes full advantage of the natural resonance of the instrument: an open G, an open D, and a B one full step above the open A string. That resonating G and D really define the essence of the piece: ringing, soothing, pure, natural. And the B on the A string, the third of the broken G Major chord, is in a very clear-sounding place on the cello, giving it a melodic quality and creating an uplifting, positive feel. Add to this the rocking, undulating quality of the 16th note writing, and we have flowing, motion-filled music that combines forward direction with a very settled, peaceful feeling of tonal colour.
Next, that opening 2-beat, rocking arpeggio figure is repeated, then altered in measure 2 with the raising of the 2nd and 3rd pitches to create a sense of melodic opening (and, harmonically, giving us a sub-dominant chord), changed again in measure 3 by raising only the 2nd note (creating a V-7 chord, superimposed over a pedal G, giving us these intervals: a major 7th and a tritone), and resolved in measure 4 with a return to our tonic. And we’ve only covered the 1st four measures, an introduction of sorts to the remarkable journey that follows.
Measure 5 breaks the pattern set in the 1st 4 bars – the figures take on a more melodic and directional quality. These improvised-sounding bars alternate with the arpeggiated patterns established at the beginning, taking us on an interesting and creative harmonic ride. The ongoing motion continues for a total of 21-1/2 measures, until, after a dip down to the lowest notes on the instrument – a low C-sharp in measure 20, and then the incredibly rich, deep open low C in the next measure – all motion stops on a D above middle C. Bach puts a fermata on this monumental arrival, to give it a sense of great importance.
What follows is truly amazing, but first a bit of background. In each movement of every suite, Bach presents harmonically rich and complex music. His challenge, since the cello is essentially a melodic instrument (compared to the obvious harmonic functions of a keyboard instrument, on which one can easily play 6, 8, or 10 note chords), is to ingeniously and cleverly integrate multiple voices and clear harmonic structure without the benefit of straightforward, keyboard-type chordal playing. His method is to imply harmonic structure, by hinting at the possible development of additional voices, repeating certain pitches so as to establish their sound in the listener’s ear, and occasionally writing 2-, 3- or 4- note chords, especially at significant cadence points. In the case of this prelude, one can easily conclude that it is a 3-voice work – a quick glance at the score gives a pretty clear sense of this, confirmed by the 3-note chord that ends the movement.
Now, if we take that high D arrival, imagine a D two octaves lower and played as a pedal tone throughout the rest of the movement (until the ultimate chord), we can feel harmonic richness, delightful dissonance, and wildly driving energy, an effect not unlike that which we might encounter in a Bach keyboard prelude. He’s essentially taken the cello and, with the help of some creative listening, turned it into an organ of sorts – a brilliant accomplishment, for sure, and an approach that will return in subsequent preludes.
Throughout this inviting movement – and in subsequent movements (as well as in the other five suites as well!) - we experience a wide variety of moods and emotions as we encounter dissonances and resolutions, melodic shapes, unexpected harmonic progressions, and ingenious implied 3-voice writing. Bach’s use of the various registers of the cello to enhance depth of emotion is perfect in every way, from the lowest depths of the C string to the clear, ringing tones of the A string.
Bach Cello Suite No1 (Full Movement) Video:
Bach Cello Suite No1 Score pdf file:
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