“An Analytical Guide to Performance: J.S. Bach's Cello Suites”
Michael Ebie
The Cello Suites by J.S. Bach are frequently performed by tuba and euphonium players. However, they present unique challenges to the performers due to the nature of transcribing string music for a wind instrument. This does not discourage performers from making attempts to perform these suites due to the lack of similar repertoire written specifically for either the tuba or euphonium. Many performers struggle with their interpretations of these suites due to air requirements. Quite often, there are not intuitive locations to breathe, causing phrases to be disconnected and lack coherence. While some performers manage to find acceptable ways to perform these pieces, many do not have the tools at their disposal in order to perform these suites optimally. Using analysis to guide performance has been a topic of rich discussion as a subfield of music theory. Using analytical methods that are accessible to performers that have completed the minimum undergraduate music theory requirements at most universities, performers would be able to create a more coherent and musical product. In this presentation, I will outline overall guidelines to analysis assisted performance based upon research by Berry, Cone, Cook, Lester, Rothstein, etc. that can be used to successfully perform any of the Bach Cello Suites. Additionally, I use the first suite in G Major as a case study to make suggestions as to how to perform this piece using the analytical methods that I have outlined.