Prelude in D minor, BWV 999 by Bach for Guitar

Prelude BWV 999 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) – PDF Sheet music for classical guitar. Comes with both notation-only edition and tab edition. The level is mid to late intermediate (Grade 7). Originally for lute in C minor it adapts nicely when arranged for guitar in D minor. It was most likely written on lute- harpsichord (lautenwerk), an uncommon instrument, and so it became popularly known for lute. The first appearance of the work was found in a collection of keyboard works collected by Johann Peter Kellner (1705-1772). The Prelude is certainly in a style common to lutes works of the era and has a significantly reduced texture compared to Bach keyboard works. Here’s the YouTube Lesson Link if you want to watch it there.

FAQ

Is BWV 999 originally in D minor?
No. BWV 999 was originally written in C minor for lute or possibly lautenwerk (lute-harpsichord). Most classical guitar editions transpose it to D minor because the key is more idiomatic on the guitar.

Who composed BWV 999?
Johann Sebastian Bach composed BWV 999 during the Baroque period. It is one of his best-known works adapted for classical guitar.

What instrument was BWV 999 originally written for?
The work is generally believed to have been written for lute or lautenwerk rather than guitar. Essentially, its a keyboard work with a reduced texture making it suitable for lute or guitar. Bach was familiar with lute players of his time as evidenced by his visits with the great Silvius Weiss so it’s conceivable that the work was composed with a reduced texture.

Why is BWV 999 popular with guitarists?
Its flowing arpeggios, harmonic structure, and natural fit on the guitar make it one of the most frequently studied Bach arrangements for classical guitar.

Is BWV 999 suitable for beginners?
Although intermediate players often enjoy it as an introduction to Bach’s music, it is not suitable for beginners due to the larger chord shapes and upper position reading skills.

How difficult is BWV 999?
I place the work at around the grade 6-8 level. The notes are relatively approachable, but the musical challenge lies in navigating the larger chord shapes, upper position reading skills, a few mild stretches, producing an even tone, smooth phrasing, and clean left-hand shifts.

Samples and Covers

More info on Prelude BWV 999 by Bach

“Prelude in C minor, BWV 999, is often compared stylistically to preludes of Book I of The Well-Tempered Clavier. Here, and throughout this recording, keyboard changes (that is, the alternate use of two separate eight-foot stops) are used in much the same way that a lute-player makes use of different timbres by playing closer or farther away from the bridge. The transcription of the Fugue in G minor, BWV 1000, originally for solo violin, exists in a copy by the lutenist J. C. Weyrauch. Bach also transcribed this fugue for organ, changing the key to D minor. Although one can easily recognise this piece in each of its three versions – solo violin, lute (lute-harpsichord), and organ – each instrumental sound gives it a unique communication and colours its affekt.” [via Elizabeth Farr on this Naxos].

“The Prelude in C minor, BWV 999, has come down to us in a manuscript of Johann Peter Kellner, a pupil of Bach. On the cover is written Praelude in C mol pour la Lute di Johann Sebastian Bach, and inside Praelude pour la Lute. It is frequently played on the keyboard, appearing among the Twelve Little Preludes. The style is that of broken chords, the bass articulating a repetitive melodic shape which also denotes the harmonic progressions.” [via Graham Wade on this Naxos].

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