The Harmonic Structure of Bach’s Cello Suite Prelude in G | EP 4

Bach’s Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello (BWV 1007-1012) are iconic works of Baroque music, with the Prelude in G Major standing as one of the most recognizable pieces for the instrument. In this video, I explore the harmonic structure of the Prelude, highlighting how Bach introduces three expositions of the main key, interspersed with two development sections. Additionally, I analyze my reinterpretation of the Prelude, where I improvise a new melody over Bach’s original chord progression. Through the rhythmic interplay between a syncopated melody and an off-beat left-hand accompaniment, I aim to offer a fresh, modern interpretation of this timeless work.

I’m Dr. Bohdan Syroyid and if you would like to study music composition with me, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email to [email protected]

I would like to build a community of people passionate about music composition and musical analysis. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments by sharing a bit about your musical background and interests.

The reinterpretation of this prelude was requested by my friend and student Bruno Forst, an outstanding organist specializing in Early Music. You can hear the full performance of the piece with the score at the following link.
   • Bohdan Syroyid - Prelude in G major, ...  

Timestamps
00:00:00 Introduction, welcome and musical context
00:06:02 Outline of the expositions in the prelude
00:11:59 Harmonic analysis of first development
00:19:33 Harmonic analysis of second development
00:28:48 Outline of the expositions in my reinterpretation of Bach's prelude
00:35:44 Analysis of Exposition 1 (Reinterpretation Syroyid-Bach)
00:41:11 Analysis of First development (Reinterpretation Syroyid-Bach)
00:51:11 Overview of Exposition 2 (Reinterpretation Syroyid-Bach)
00:54:07 Analysis of Second development (Reinterpretation Syroyid-Bach)
01:00:20 Overview of Exposition 3 (Reinterpretation Syroyid-Bach)
01:03:25 Closing thoughts

If you want to listen to my music, check out @syroyid If you like counterpoint, you might like my composition Ricercare    • Bohdan Syroyid - Ricercare [Full Score]