Prelude in G major, BWV 1007 (Bach)

Bach’s Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello (BWV 1007-1012) are widely regarded as the pinacol of the Baroque literature for the instrument. The opening Prelude in G major is one of the most frequently performed cello compositions ever written. It is based on an opening motive, that has become one of the most recognizable motives of Western Classical Music. In my piano rendition, this iconic opening motive is only played once—at the end of the piece. Instead, a new melody has been improvised on top of the original chord progression. Rhythmically, the left hand is sustaining an off-beat accompaniment while the right hand presents a syncopated melody with a mild swing.