Chaconne by J.S. Bach
This is a looooong-term project, and I know it's quite a stretch for my technique, but I'm currently working on the famous Chaconne. I honestly find this to be the most beautiful music ever written, and it's the single piece that inspired me to start CG about 7 years ago.
So far I've learned up through the fast scales and the arpeggio section, and I've been working on my own transcription from the original violin score. Next week I hope to record my 3rd progress milestone video, combining the opening and the fast scales.
Would really love any and all feedback!
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And this one was filmed a little while back - it's my first pass at the long arpeggio section
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Jon Crossley
great work Jon. It’s a very difficult passage and you are handling it really well. The complicating thing here is the alternating development of the voices, so, sometimes p, m, or i must accentuate the moving voice and the upper voice should adapt and not always be equally present. This will challenge your concentration and technique but also make it a new adventure and help you rediscovering the piece again and again…. Keep on practicing and enjoying. I’ll be keen to follow.
I will listen to your next post, which might be harder for me to comment, because I don’t play the whole chaconne very often, it’s above my capacities for now. Did you follow the two wonderful TB courses about this piece by Carlo Marchione and Sanel Redzic? If not, I recommend you search the online courses section. It’s great…
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Great progress, I'm learning it as well in small bites. Still working on fingerings choices.
Such a magnificent piece, I know it is sacred but I'm in to cutting it down and making it about a 7 minute piece.
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Brooke Hey, Brooke, I just saw that you are working on the Chaconne also.
I'll add you to my 'heads up'. TY Zhang is giving a livestream on the Chaconne tomorrow, Friday Jan.6 at 11:00 am.
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Great job, Jon. I have considered starting the Chaconne as a long term (very long term!) project. I also thought about using the arpeggios and scales sections as exercises together started. It is encouraging to see you actually approaching that way. A good source of motivation for me.
I started classical guitar about 50(!) years ago. I had been playing rock guitar for about 10 years and wanted to do something else. I thought I was signing up for jazz guitar but the teacher I had signed up with said he no longer taught jazz but taught classical guitar. I shrugged and said ok. I stopped at a record store and bought a classical guitar album to hear what I was going to learn. It was John Williams 'Variations' album and included the Chaconne. I remember being completely enthralled with it and thinking 'Wow, I'm going to learn to play that?!! Well, 50 years later I am still thinking that.
- Apologies for the rambling.
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What a great project!
I also take a shot at the Chaconne. It is my target piece to master one day. I started playing guitar 50 years ago. Stopped around 40 years old. And restarted 2 years ago. Since 15 months I follow lessons with Francisco Chaves.
I will never get it to concert level, but the sheer joy of exploring this masterpiece makes me happy.
I wish you a lof of fun with this journey!
Bart
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Bart Versteeg that’s fantastic!! Thanks for sharing your story, it’s inspiring to hear you’ve picked up the instrument again. I’m similar that I don’t think I’ll ever get it to concert level, but I get so much joy just pursuing it on my own level/terms. Wishing you all the best on your journey with the piece!
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- Jon Crossley @Bart Versteeg
Just a heads up. TY Zhang is giving a Livestream on the the Chaconne tomorrow, Friday Jan. 6 at 11:00am. He is a very good and enthusiastic teacher.
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Hi all, thank you so much for all the kind words!!
I’ve made some more progress and posted a new video. Over the last ~month or so I’ve been working on the fast scales - they’re still really hard for me but I’m happy with my progress so far! I’m not sure if it’s sacrilegious but I’ve decided to use a lot of campanella fingerings. I find them easier to play than straight super-fast scales! Would love any thoughts
I really wish I could have made it to Ty Zhang’s stream today, but I was busy with work. I can’t wait to watch the replay soon when I get a free moment! I’m sure it’ll be very insightful.
End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
