Double Bass Bach Cello Suite no.1 Prelude: key for DB?

[ricobasso]

I would like to start to learn this. I have the 'cello book which has this in G (original key?). My bass teacher said it was not a good key for the DB. I found a transcription for bass in C. My teacher says "that's better - have a go and see how you get on and we'll talk about it next week".

Question: If the cello original is in G and the cello has a low G open string, why doesn't a transcription for bass use an open string for the repeating pedal note in the opening bars .

 

[David Potts]

The old geezer, H. Sam Sterling , who did my version (Edition Peters) is long dead.

Could you scan his version (in C ) into a computer with, say, Sibelius or Finale and press a button to transcribe it to D, giving you the open string?

Or else put up with the C bottom note and hone up your shifting skills!!

David Potts

 

[mcnaire2004]

I have it in C,D, and G. And, G the original key is by far the best for the bass. It lies really well on the instrument. D seems useless

 

[svenbass]

I do prefer the key of D for the open string, and there are transcriptions out there - I'm a fan of the Rohe book, all 6 Suites transcribed for bass.

I've worked it in G, C and D. To me it's how you play it, not the key.

Have fun, this is beautiful music!

 

[PaulCannon]

The piece is in G. I've only ever seen it played in G (disregarding Edgar Meyer's solo tuning).

If you are not comfortable in thumb position, then taking it down to C might be a possibility, but then the issue of string crossing is much more prevalent. Both Francois Rabbath and Paul Ellison have editions of the first suite in G with very helpful fingering suggestions.

 

[pb-bass]

My vote is G. For the first movement Prelude it's perfect, lots of notes fall right on natural harmonics such as the G and D octaves, the highest note is the high G on the G string... in many instance notes reach down to the open G or D which can sound nice, why change the key?

 

[ricobasso]

Could you scan his version (in C ) into a computer with, say, Sibelius or Finale and press a button to transcribe it to D, giving you the open string?

I have done this and am now tidying it up. I've tried the first 4 bars in C. The stretch from A on the D string to F on the G string is very difficult for me ATM. I can't get a smooth legato. I know, practice.....

It did not occur to me that the original in G should be played at pitch. I had been trying to play it an octave lower .

I have not touched thumb position. I guess my teacher does not think I am ready yet or else he will use this piece to introduce me to it.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[ricobasso]

Both Francois Rabbath and Paul Ellison have editions of the first suite in G with very helpful fingering suggestions.

Could you provide links to where I might buy these, please?

 

[Pat Harris]

Rabbath's edition can be bought at www.liben.com

 

[koricancowboy]

Ellison's
Link Removed

 

[damonsmith]

I have done this and am now tidying it up. I've tried the first 4 bars in C. The stretch from A on the D string to F on the G string is very difficult for me ATM. I can't get a smooth legato. I know, practice.....

It did not occur to me that the original in G should be played at pitch. I had been trying to play it an octave lower .

I have not touched thumb position. I guess my teacher does not think I am ready yet or else he will use this piece to introduce me to it.

Thanks for all the replies.

Not to second guess your teacher, but some rudimentary thumb position should probably come before tackling Bach.
I try to introduce TP fairly soon, I think the older school of thought was to wait.