Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major: Prelude

Question 0

What is a prelude?

Answer 0

A freestanding piece of music; a short musical composition, often one for piano, and often forming part of a set of such works.

Question 1

What is a cello?

Answer 1

A cello is a string instrument played sitting down held between the knees, with a lower pitch than a violin or viola but not as low as a string bass.

Question 2

What is a fermata

Answer 2

Musical symbol that indicates to hold a note longer then is notated.

Question 3

When was the cello developed?

Answer 3

The cello was developed in the mid 1500s. The cello plays an octave below the viola or an octave in a fifth below the violin.

Question 4

What is the full name for the cello?

Answer 4

Violincello

Question 5

When did Bach compose Cello Suite No. 1 in G major?

Answer 5

Between 1717 and 1723 while serving as KapellMeister in Kothen.

Question 6

Can you chart a prelude like a Rondo?

Answer 6

No. Preludes are often free-form, through-composed pieces, without recurring themes.

Question 7

What note pattern is used in Cello Suite No. 1 in G major?

Answer 7

The use of constant 16th notes unites this piece. Exactly halfway through the prelude, the cello moves up to a high note held out with the fermata. It’s the only break in the 16th note pattern.

Question 8

How is Cello Suite No. 1 unique?

Answer 8

Bach manages to use a simple idea with a single line instrument and no accompaniment to fashion a brilliant and compelling peace.