Hi,

I was wondering what grade this piece is when played on guitar? Also, I've wanted to play for sometime now, but how difficult is it to learn?

Thanks,
LG

You would be better putting the BWV number rather than suite No1. I am presuming you mean the prelude which is the first movement of BWV 996 In E minor ( Lute suite no1)?
That would be a grade 8 piece and it is on the syllabus.

I was thinking more on the lines of BWV 1007, the first movement from the G major cello suite, arranged for guitar.

I have no idea just HOW difficult it would be on guitar, but it's Grade 8+ for cello, so I can't imagine it would be easy arranged for any other instrument.

I was also thinking of the cello suite... - guess it goes to show that OMG is right, the BWV number is more helpful!

The only one's of the 1st cello suite i've seen that is arranged for guitar are in D and played with a drop D tuning..

If you mean the prelude to the first cello suite, it depends on the edition. The Duarte edition is Grade 7. There's a slightly easier edition in Noad's second "Solo Guitar" book, but it doesn't have the drop D tuning so I think it misses out on that beautiful resonance.

I will check that out.. I've not seen the Noad version.

Are you sure it's grade 7 Phil? (Which syllabus?) Cause I find that piece more difficult than some of the diploma level pieces I play.

It's a lovely satisfying piece to play, though. Enjoy, Lisa.

Thank you. Sorry for not posting the BWV number, I was a little confused as to the number myself. It's BWV 1007. Is it a grade 7 peice?

I've been looking through the score as I've only just brought a copy to day, I was waiting for the book shop to get it in, it seems as if there are some pretty difficult passages. The edition I have uses the drop D tunning.

The allemande from the same suite, which is comparable technically is grade 8 on the trinity syllabus.
I can't find the prelude on any of the grade syllabi but when I played it at the Bath guitar festival last year was told that Duarte verison was around grade 8 - diploma level.

The trick in playing it is really a question of sustaining the tones, so that the guitar starts to ring with it (as a cello would). There's a lovely recording of Segovia playing it, that you might want to try to track down.

I think, if it's something you're really motivated to learn, there's no reason why you shouldn't. Just allow yourself plenty of time to learn it, and keep in your mind that you're doing it because you like the piece, and because it's going to stretch you. It won't be an easy play for you (it certainly isn't for me - I still have trouble with some bits). But it is really lovely.

Ask and you shall receive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVYPXLPdep4

Oh bless you! I was thinking when I saw Jane's post that it would be lovely to hear today - not having a good day and rather unwell - so what a nice way to be sent off to bed!!

It's totally different from the fingering I use! That's the fingering on the printed copy of the Duarte though. Segovia has such teensy little hands.

And the "real thing"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6yuR8efotI

Thanks, I am really motivated to learn it, it is such a wonderful piece. I will bare in mind all you've said, and take it slow. I know it will take a while for me to learn, but I enjoy the piece so much I don't mind!


It's different from the arrangement I have too. Yes, segovia did have very teensy hands - maybe there's hope for people like me then!



I already have this in my favourites. It's such a beautiful peice when played on guitar or cello. Wonderful.