These unusual twists on the music of JS Bach have all been written by great flute players who have recreated classics with imagination and skill. Perfect!
JS Bach and Gary Schocker: Partita in A minor BWV 1013 & The Bach Partita “Ghost” for Solo Flute
The ‘Ghost’ Sonata is great because it has a duet part which greatly helps with the understanding of the harmony when preparing this piece. Gary Schocker has produced a ‘teaching edition’ which can obviously be used either as a starting point for further discussion of style or played as printed. Either way this is a valuable addition to the many editions of this work. Difficulty Guide: 8-9
JS Bach arranged Ali Ryerson: Siciliano (Reimagined) for Flute (or Alto Flute) and Piano
The reimagining of this famous Bach Silicilano comes principally from the jazz-infused harmonies that Ali Ryerson has created to accompany the melodic line. The flute part has been left largely as Bach intended, with only subtle changes of articulation and ornamentation to hint at something different. It is the accompaniment that has a more complex outlook with amended rhythms to add to the lush chords used, taking the music in a slightly unexpected direction.. This is an engaging piece, particularly lovely on the alto which brings a darker colour to the music. Bach would almost certainly have approved! Difficulty Guide: 6
JS Bach arranged Gaspar Hoyos: Alemana Latina for Flute and Cello
If you’re a fan of adapting Bach then this is definitely for you! Adding a cello to the Allemande from the A minor Partita isn’t ground-breaking but using the syncopated rhythms of a Latin is rather unexpected. Together the combination creates something completely different and is as good to listen to as it is to play. It works! Difficulty Guide: 8-9
JS Bach arranged Henrik Wiese: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba for Flute and Piano
Can you have too much Bach? I doubt it. These sonatas work very well on the flute and have been very sensitively arranged. It is lovely to be able to discover different sonatas and see how Bach wrote for other instruments. Check out the one in G minor – it’s a gem! Difficulty Guide: 6-8
JS Bach transcribed Dennis Bouriakov and William Bennett: Chaconne from Partita No 2 in D minor for Solo Flute
Bach wrote the Chaconne in D minor as a piece of substance and stature for the violin which requires technical mastery, playing stamina, concentration and above all musical integrity to bring to fruition. If anything, these demands are increased when the music is translated onto the flute. Bouriakov and Bennett have managed to capture the essence of Bach’s writing with careful use of grace notes, articulation and suggested breathing places which all make the impossible seem achievable. It’s great to have such a wonderful piece transcribed so well – a real treat for Bach lovers! Difficulty Guide: 8-9
JS Bach arranged Barbara Hill: Italian Concerto for Flute and Alto Flute
JS Bach’s Italian Concerto may not be the obvious choice to arrange for two flutes but here the use of the alto flute gives body to the sound and helps the style stay in focus. The outer fast movements capture all of Bach’s joyfulness while the Andante allows the alto to realise the musical importance of the bass line as the flute weaves the tune above. This is a really good work to enjoy playing – you can never have too much Bach! Difficulty Guide: 8
JS Bach arranged Eric Lamb and Martin Rummel: (re)inventions for Flute and Cello
This is a lovely book of Bach highlights which has been skillfully adapted for flute and cello. Taken from the Anna Magdalena Notebook, the French and English Suites and the Well-Tempered Clavier, the music is varied in style and standard. Both instruments can take advantage of the upper and lower parts of the original to learn about harmony and phrase shaping so it’s really good for students, and it serves as an introduction to music not usually available for non-pianists. The wonder of Bach – reinvented for all Bach lovers to enjoy! Difficulty Guide: 5-8
