We have a collection of 12 arrangements for Johann Sebastian Bach - Suite in E minor, BWV 996
Was BWV 996 originally written for lute, and how does this arrangement adapt it for two guitars? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
Johann Sebastian Bach's Suite in E minor, BWV 996, is a notable work in the classical guitar repertoire. Here are some interesting facts about this composition:
Composition Date: Bach likely composed Suite in E minor, BWV 996, around the early 1720s during his time in Köthen, Germany. The exact date is uncertain.
Instrumentation: This suite is originally written for the lute, an instrument similar to the guitar. It consists of several movements including Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Bourrées I and II, and Gigue.
Unique Tuning: The Suite in E minor, BWV 996, requires a special tuning on the guitar to replicate the lute's unique sound. The guitar's 6th string is tuned down to D, which allows for a richer harmonic range.
Historical Significance: This suite is one of the few pieces that Bach composed specifically for an instrument other than keyboard or violin. It showcases his ability to adapt his style to different instruments.
Movements: Each movement in the suite adheres to traditional dance forms of the Baroque era. For example, the Allemande is a German dance, the Courante is a lively French dance, and the Sarabande is a slow, stately Spanish dance.
Influence: Bach's Suite in E minor has been influential in the development of classical guitar music. Many guitarists and composers have studied and performed this piece, contributing to its lasting popularity.
Rediscovery: The suite was largely forgotten until the early 20th century when musician and musicologist Walter Gieseking rediscovered the original manuscript in the Royal Library of Brussels.
Structure: The suite follows a standard Baroque dance suite structure, but Bach's intricate counterpoint and harmonic exploration elevate it to a masterpiece of the genre.
Challenging Technical Elements: The suite is technically demanding, requiring a guitarist to master various techniques such as arpeggios, scales, and ornamentation. Its complexity challenges performers even today.
Artistic Interpretation: Due to the historical nature of the piece and the differences between the lute and the guitar, performers often make interpretive choices regarding ornamentation and phrasing, adding a personal touch to their renditions.
Bach's Suite in E minor, BWV 996, continues to captivate audiences and remains a significant work in the classical guitar repertoire.