Double Bass Bach Cello Suite in G - Sarabande

[Minibass]

I'm starting to learn the 1st Bach Cello Suite in G Major - Sarabande (at pitch) for my college auditions. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for the double stops (or anything else in the piece you think I should know).

 

[shostkontrabass]

...(or anything else in the piece you think I should know).

Here's what Jeff Bradetich says in the programme notes for his transcription:

"The Sarabande is a walking dance in triple meter - solemn yet majestic music with an emphasis generally on the second beat. During the Baroque era, string instruments could not create an accent as we do today, with a sharp attack or bite of the bow, instead the emphasis in the music was created by using other means, often in combination with one another: Harmonic - stress-release, dissonance-resolution, sighing motive or appoggiatura; Speed of Bow - faster speed usually at the beginning of the bow stroke; Agogic - taking time on the note of emphasis; and Vibrato - using either vibrato or non-vibrato to help create the stress or emphasis."

(bolds are his)

 

[ClassicalBass]

One thing my teacher always made clear was not to hold the chords too long, but to always stay in time. He also mentioned something about deciding when to change the chord (for the three note chords), and how the length of the note determines that.

Also, I should let you know, if you are using the Bernat edition (which I foolishly bought), you definitely want to cross check it against another, since he makes a few changes.

Just try to play it smoothly and musically. Sing with your bass, and if you aren't playing, sing it with your voice. Some of the best interpretive practice you can get is by singing what you play and playing what you sing.

 

[Anonymous08272012]

Don't use the Bernat edition.