J.S. Bach – Partita in A minor

Adaptation for 4 flutes in C
(or three flutes in C and an alto flute)

 

 

It ‘s always advisable to put your hands on scores by composers of the past. In this case these are J.S.Bach, the genius of Baroque music, it could be even  considered absolutely forbidden. To create an adaptation in the Baroque style of a song like “the Partita in a moll”  will be seen as a foolish and presumptuous action. Moreover the arrangement that ensued, not error-free in terms of style and form, will raise many concerns among the experts.

The decision to transform an eternal masterpiece for solo flute in a simple quartet is mainly dictated by the desire to reveal the harmonies outlined by the flute., The major part of “submerged” hamonies, will gradually take shape, supporting the solo instrument and an unknown beauty resulting from the perfect evolution of the harmonies, finally can emerge and illuminate then with the clearest light the same way of the first flute.

 One can argue that the charm of music for solo instrument consists precisely in this: to provide an incomplete picture, to mention, to let guess and create a time of suspension where each listener is free to give space to one’s imagination.

Yet despite a foreign hand, the educational value of a so high work is in not diminished. As in many similar works, it allows us to capture useful aspects such as the need to be part of the added flutes of relating, in the sound, with a solo instrument that must still emerge.

Finally, to propose a very famous melody, it allows the flutist to draw on an already-style “tested”, as the free run of the solo flute, in this multi-instrumental version, must necessarily be limited to allow the other members of the group also comply with the continuous rhythm fluctuations.