Week 4: Classical Crescendos 
WELCOME TO THE MAIN THREAD FOR THE LAST WEEK OF "THE TRANSCRIPTIONS" PRACTICE CHALLENGE!
Pick a transcription that was originally composed for another instrument, like piano or violin. Don't be afraid to choose a challenging piece or explore works from composers you haven't played before.
Commit to practicing daily and share your progress with the community. Aim to practice every day and post at least two videos per week showcasing your progress. This will help you stay motivated and accountable, and also allow you to share your transcription journey with others. Whether you're tackling a complex piece, refining your skills with a piece you already play, or experimenting with new playing techniques, the community is here to support you and celebrate your achievements.
Share your favorite piece that you would like to see transcribed or your favorite recording of a transcription. This will not only inspire others in the community but also provide a rich resource of ideas for everyone to explore. Plus, it's a great way to celebrate the creativity and artistry involved in adapting music from one instrument to another.
↓ Happy Sharing! ↓
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Prelude in A minor - Robert de Visée
Time for another DIY adventure! Once again, I couldn't find a guitar version of this piece. It was originally composed for Theorbo, and being in the same plucked instrument family, I assumed it would be easily adaptable to the guitar. However, I was totally wrong, which explains why there is no guitar version on the internet!
To bring this piece to the guitar, I had to make modifications and even rework some sections. I relied on various Theorbo recordings to guide me through the process. My aim wasn't to create a flawless guitar rendition but rather to preserve the essence and beauty of the music in my arrangement. Hope you guys would like it, thank you.
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Wai That was great, Wai. I have never heard that prelude by de Visee before. It definitely has an improvisational style which you have very effectively captured. Impressive work.
BTW is that your handwritten transcription at the beginning of the video?
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Wai Great job on your transcription, Wai! I enjoyed the performance very much, and the recorded sound is wonderful. Well done!!
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Wai Gorgeous Wai! I really like your transcription. Robert de Visee used to play Louis XIV off to dreamland at Versailles, as I recall. Such resonant tone!
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Jack Stewart Thanks, Jack! Not only does this piece have an improvisational style, but I also recorded it in an improvisational manner. When I recorded the piece, I only determined the notes to be played but didn't know how to notate the rhythm. I also struggled with understanding the unfamiliar symbols in the manuscript. Therefore, I had to rely on my ear and mimic what I heard from the Theorbo version.
Regarding the manuscript, I used guitar-pro, so it's not written in my own handwriting. My handwriting looks more like Harry Potter spells rather than ordinary words, so it's best to show you the actual manuscript. I found it on the following website (Prelude (Saizenay, p. 256)). You can also find several other excellent Theorbo pieces there: French theorbo music (helsinki.fi)
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Barney Thank you, Barney. I also enjoyed your recording very much, hope more people will join this challenge before the watch party.
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Marilyn Blodget Thank you, Marilyn. This is my first time playing this composer's music, and I must say, his Theorbo compositions are truly remarkable!
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Wai great Wai, I really enjoyed your interpretation of this prelude in an improvisation-like approach, very well done!
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Blaise Laflamme Thank you, Blaise!
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Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in A Major K208 was originally composed for harpsichord. It is lovely on both guitar and harpsichord-- of course its easier on a keyboard. I had fun adding ornamentation on the repeats.
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Marilyn Blodget That was great, Marilyn. Your ornamentations sounded really good, as well.
Have you played this on keyboard, piano or harpsichord? I have never worked up any of Scarlatti's pieces, though I like many of them. One of these days!
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Jack Stewart Thank you Jack! I have also played it on harpsichord and piano. The melody is written in the same octave, but of course sounds an octave lower on guitar, so the harmonies are closer, and to me it sounds more mellow on guitar.
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Marilyn Blodget What a beautiful piece, Marilyn. Like Jack, I have also never tried playing Scarlatti's pieces because they all appear quite challenging on the guitar. However, you played it very well, and your sound was so sweet. Thank you for sharing it; I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.
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Wai Thanks for your kind words, Wai. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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Marilyn Blodget That was indeed lovely on guitar. Beautifully played , Marilyn!
Is that a transcription by Elliot Fisk?
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Barney Thanks Barney! The transcription is not by Elliott Fisk. We’re up in Yosemite right now so I can’t tell you who transcribed it.
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Marilyn Blodget beautiful piece beautifully played, thanks for sharing this!
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Blaise Laflamme Thanks Blaise!
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BWV 2009 Prelude (2nd) 1st draft
I have managed to memorize this prelude and record a decent first draft. There are still many rough areas but I am fairly happy with this as a starting point. I hope to get a better recording before the watch party but that only leaves me tomorrow so i'm not sure I will get that done. I also want to change my strings for a new recording. If I do get a better recording I will post it even if it is after the watch party.
I just replaced the first 1st draft with a second 1st draft. I still have my old strings on which are getting a bit stretched out but I think this is somewhat better overall.
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Jack Stewart great draft Jack lots of things going on there... is this your own transcription?
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Blaise Laflamme I assume the video never uploaded, not sure what the problem is with YT. I was able to watch it on my channel but it still says 'pending'. I probably should credit John Cage with this transcription, huh? .
I just posted an updated version. We'll see if this one actually makes it past the censors. It's indicating it will finish processing by about 7:30. It has never taken more than a few minutes before.
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Jack Stewart I was able to see your first uploaded version but not this one, still processing!
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Blaise Laflamme Interesting. I saw your comment about 5' after you posted but my video was no longer available. (Hence my comment). Perhaps YT is trying to raise their standards for what they allow posted.
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Jack Stewart ah ok... hmmm... I doubt they have raised any standard about the kind of content we're posting...
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Blaise Laflamme I forgot to address your earlier question. The transcription is by John Duarte.
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
