Happy Birthday, Bach! Share Your Johann Sebastian Bach Performances! 
Hey fellow toneBuddies!! 
We all know and appreciate the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most influential composers in the Baroque period. His music continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike. In celebration of his contributions to the world of music and the exciting live stream with multiple DG recording artist Göran Söllscher, we're excited to announce a "Bach Mini Challenge" for our community!
The Challenge:
We invite you to record and upload a video of yourself playing a piece composed by J.S. Bach. Choose! We're eager to see your unique interpretations and skillful renditions of Bach's timeless masterpieces.
Need some inspiration? Please check out Nigel North's class on "How To Play Bach" and other classes by him and Paul O'Dette!
How to participate:
Record a video of yourself performing a piece by J.S. Bach.
Upload your video to your preferred platform (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
- Share the link to your video in the comments section below.
- F eel free to add a brief description of the piece you chose and why you love it.
Interact and engage:
Don't forget to check out the performances of your fellow toneBuddies! Show your support by leaving comments, constructive feedback, and appreciation for their efforts. Let's encourage each other to improve and enjoy the beauty of these historical eras.
Reward:
There's no specific prize for this challenge, but it's an opportunity to showcase your talent, receive feedback, and connect with fellow Bach enthusiasts Who knows? You might even make some new friends along the way!
Need inspiration?
Can't make it to the live stream roundtable discussion that inspired this challenge, don't worry! The stream will be recorded, you can rewatch it at any time!
Ready, set, play!
We can't wait to see your Bach submissions. Let's keep the spirit of these eras alive and thriving in our community!
Happy playing, everyone! 
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Sarabande (BWV 1002)
Here is a quick recording I made of the Sarabande from Bach's first violin partita. I am reading from Frederick Noad's transcription, but I have made a few changes.
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Eric Phillips great take on this Sarabande Eric, your sound is more open in this video, perhaps the room?
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Blaise Laflamme Thanks, Blaise. The room is the only difference, so I guess that’s it.
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Eric Phillips Beautiful Eric! Next a duet with Joosje?
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Marilyn Blodget Only if I can take the easy parts!
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Eric Phillips
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Eric Phillips Beautiful, Eric. As I mentioned to Joosje, that Sarabande and its Double are one (two?) of my favorites. I am inspired by you and Joosje to try to resurrect it - nails permitting. I am back from my travels, so hopefully I will be able to participate in this challenge before it is over. (I haven't be able to play over the last 2 weeks which, at my age, is equivalent to about 10 years.)
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Eric Phillips I also know this from the Noad anthologies. To be honest, for the longest time I didn't think it worked particularly well on guitar - but Sanel Rezdic's recent YouTube recording convinced me otherwise! Thanks for posting.
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David Krupka I just checked it out, and you’re so right. I’d like like to try to learn his fingerings from the video.
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Jack Stewart I hope you had a wonderful trip, Jack!
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Eric Phillips We had a great trip, despite the rain. I got to reconnect with several cousins and friends who I haven't seen in years (decades actually). But I am really glad to be back home.
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Jack Stewart I'm glad to hear that, Jack!
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Sorry, I’m trying to submit a post, but it’s being reviewed again and again and it’s still not visible for others. I don’t understand why….. it’s a pity, because I sort of reacted to Eric’s post….
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joosje It happens to all of us, no worries. I look forward to hearing your recording. Is it the double that goes along with this sarabande?
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Eric Phillips yes that one. Why is this happening? I deleted the post and submitted again, but no. I guess I am a suspicious intruder or so….
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joosje It happens to me all the time. I’d guess that there is some word you used that somehow tripped an algorithm. I suppose it’s the price we pay to have a forum where everyone feels safe and welcome. I am very certain that we will all love hearing you play, no matter how long we have to wait for it!
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Eric Phillips ok, I’ll relax and be patient
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Try again
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joosje I have been rather absent from the different forums, due to many other activities and my programming of new pieces. But I couldn’t resist the temptation of responding here to Eric’s initiative with the double to his sarabande. Arrangement and fingering by my first teacher. Quite complicated fingering with use of campanella. not so easy to play clean and even. Rough video editing, sorry ….
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joosje very nice, beautiful sound and interpretation ! Wow! Thank you for sharing!
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joosje that was beautiful Joosje, you have a natural elegance in your playing, your sound is clear and your phrases are directive and legato... thank you for sharing.
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joosje Beautiful, Joosje! You capture the baroque aesthetic so well.
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joosje Wow! That looks complicated but you handled it beautifully. I particularly liked your phrasing. Thanks for posting it!
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joosje That was awesome, Joosje! It would be so fun to hear it as a duet with Eric.
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Marilyn Blodget thanks Marilyn. Indeed, I did once play it as a duet. There was this story about Weiss and an friend lutenist doing that for fun. I still think it's better to hear them separately as a set ....
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
