Cello Suites (Volume 1)

Cello Suites by J.S. Bach

Suite No. I, II, III

Arranged for Alto Flute by Carla Rees

Arrangements of one kind or another have been at the heart of alto flute repertoire since Boehm’s own arrangements of well-known works at the time of the instrument’s development in the mid 1850s.  For an instrument that lacks its own repertoire before the mid nineteenthn century, adapting earlier works provides both useful practice material and a broader range of musical material.

This adaptation of the Cello Suites is formed from studying various printed sources, including facismiles of the four versions of the composer’s manuscript, with slight modifications made to suit a single line instrument and the idiosyncrasies of the alot flute.  Articulations are based on those found in the source material, but may be altered to suit the interpretation and requirements of the individual player, as is commonly the case with performances by different cellists.  Double stopping has been represented by grace notes, which may be allowed more time or omitted altogether depending on the skill and tastes of the performer.  Where two notes appear simultaneously in the score, this is to indicate a possible ossia for instruments with a B (F sharp) footjoint, and players of the standard alto flute should always follow the upper notes.

Inevitably, breathing is a challenge when playing music originally conceived for strings on the alto flute, and I have decided not to include suggestions for marks to allow greater flexibility for the individual player.  However, I would recommend that the more difficult breathing passages can be used to help build stamina and develop greater breath control, and are ideal for use as studies.

Although intended for the alto flute (and transposed so that when played on the alo flute the music sounds in the original key), these arrangements may also be played on other memebers of the flute family.

Carla Rees

-July 2012