Baroque Performance Practice feat. Vijay Gupta and Bach's Chaconne
To understand the music of Bach, we must also examine his many eclectic styles with a focus today on his writing for the violin. Join MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, Vijay Gupta, as he discusses and performs one of Bach's greatest achievements: the Chaconne in D minor in its original form for solo violin.
Find the start time in your time zone by clicking the photo or following this event link:
https://app.tonebase.co/guitar/live/player/bach-chaconne-vijay-gupta
We are going to be using this thread to gather suggestions and questions!
- What questions do you have on this topic?
- Any particular area you would like me to focus on?
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Everybody, this will be the perfect introduction to our upcoming challenge:
The Music of J.S.Bach
Diving into one of the greatest pieces in all of music history with such an accomplished performer on the source instrument will be absolutely enlightening!
Let us know if you have any specific questions about this masterpiece!
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Martin My favorite moment in all of written music has to be the moment the Chaconne changes into D major. I can't think of anything more beautiful and sublime.
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Eric Phillips 100% agree, a life changing moment within a life changing piece :) What's your favorite interpretation of the Chaconne?
I think this one is mine: Gustav Leonhardt on the Cembalo. The Arpeggio part just hits you like storm!
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Martin Hello Martin and all in Community,
Fantastic choice for a session. I wanted to share some things for the guitar community and others. Abel Carlevaro Guitar Masterclass, Technique Analysis and Interpretation of: J.S Bach Chaconne (BMV 1004) Mel Bay Publications ECH 0714, Edition Chanterelle im Allegra Musikverlag.
Good source to have in your library.
A favorite of mine is Jascha Heifetz (gem, jewel, treasure) performance of Bach's Chaconne.
Here are a few quotes from Heifetz that I thought pertinent and of significance.
"We call Bach the Bible. I'm discovering and rediscovering new things."
"The ocean is never the same, always, always constantly changing, it gives you a chance to think"
On Practice,
"Many things are solved during your practicing; it may take a long time and it may be a very short time but suddenly things become clear. Then you're ready for the emergencies."
"Practice eventually becomes automatic but you have to get your hands your fingers in shape,
so, you know they just don't move without doing anything. It has to be coordinated right; first the finger then your left hand with your right hand that has to be synchronized. If one is faster than the other, or vice versa, not so good."
(Source RCAREDSEAL Legendary Visions, Heifetz In Performance, BMG Classics DVD 1971)
Suggestions from me play the Theme daily on your instrument. (8 bars before bedtime)
choose a few variations for daily practice to cover technique, block chords, scale passage, arpeggios, Use as warm up. Go slow and the speed will come.
Best wishes and outcomes for all, Sincerely, Michael
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Michael Carlson I love these quotes, they are truly inspiring! Personally, I always feel playing Bach is like a mental shower, I somehow feel refreshed even if it's a difficult and exhausting piece!
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Martin I know it is night for you but not too late and this is relevant and timely. I take my “mental shower of Bach” before going to bed each night. I play the Prelude from the Suite for unaccompanied violoncello No.1 G major BWV 1007 using my “cello guitar” tuned to cello pitch. The edition I have settled on using is edited by Janos Starker ( Six Suites J.S. Bach). Published by Peer . I have edited it for guitar always using the bass clef . I truly believe the music holds as is on the cello tuned guitar and retains that depth of resonance.
This has been very helpful over the Pandemic time. A “mental shower”
for the joy of peace and calming beauty before sleep.
Be well. Michael
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What an amazing live session!!!
Thank you Vijay and Dominic!.....(I live in different time zone so am always watch things late!.....) I love that tonebase is doing combined events with the piano section and also bringing musicians thet play different instruments. Very, very enriching!
Thanks tonebase and team!
