Talking Bach! with Bach Expert/Jedi-Master Guitarist, Dr. Stanley Yates

[@shannonswenderman9205]

Thanks!

[@KajVardinghus]

I think you've understood Bach so deeply that your interpretations come about as if Bach wrote them for guitar. So many beautiful details in your versions.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

@@KajVardinghus ❤️🙏

[@PeteAxeShields]

When genius seeks inspiration from genius, the result is always interpretation rather than impersonation. I am so very grateful to have been introduced to Alan Mearns. In a world full of mundane mainstream music, he brings pure art to the true music lovers table.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks 🙏

[@etiennedegaulle3817]

Excellent comment!

[@wearetemporary]

I think the biggest disservice to Bach is to perform his music like it’s a research paper-all hedges, no bets. By contrast, I love your version. It is personal, has a distinct point of view, and feels like a living and breathing idea. Bravo.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks 🙏 so much! That’s exactly what I believe ❤️

[@ceili]

I agree. My old teacher was quite particular about how bach should be played and anything that waivered from that was almost frowned upon.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@soundpainter2590]

I feel, Who am I, To attempt to speak for Bach. But I believe he would approve & encourage your interpretation of his deep & brilliant body of work.. & Pleasure !

[@ilostonjeopardy]

Just want to express my thanks and would love to see more videos like this, where we can develop a more nuanced appreciation (and ear) for music and the unique ways that you approach it. Still working through the video, but I like the discussion where you are pointing out where you felt dissatisfied with the music and how you added your own approach, throwing caution to the wind.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks Brian 🙏

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks for your generous donation Brian 🙏❤️

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@gjtube37]

Thank you so much for your incredible inspiration and your stunning Bach collection! I have been a guitarist for 30 years and you have made me completely rethink what is possible on the guitar and I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for that. This interview was wonderful and shed a lot of light on you and your music and has really made me think a lot differently about my music! Thank you again!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks so much Greg! ❤️🙏

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@gjtube37]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven Thanks very much! I’m looking forward to this.

[@levinstudios2221]

Congratulations to a fantastic album! I love the counterpoint layers, a very creative way to keep the Bach-tradition alive and witty. 🙂

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks 🙏

[@ColinThomasIsotti]

Im calling this your “Bach for Breakfast” series

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Bach for more punishment!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@Mike-rw2nh]

Really appreciate it when two experts have a proper gum flap on something of which I am completely ignorant. Thanks for the upload.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

😂 Something to help you go to sleep like Mellatonin!

[@Mike-rw2nh]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven LMAO By no means. Give me one unapologetic deep dive like this for one hundred 30 second click bait guitar hacks any day.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@SeñorSandalia]

This is like going out to eat at a great restaurant. Thanks for making this video.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulpesonen]

Great talk ! Great album !

[@matsklingstrom221]

Really wonderful conversation!!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks 🙏

[@twangbarfly]

What a fantastic conversation! Like you, I have played many other styles of guitar music, but everything always leads me back to Bach, and at the centre of my musical universe is the Chaconne. I know what you mean about the incongruity of the triumphant D major section after all the "tragedy" of the first D minor section. Great idea that you see the "transition" chord as a tierce de Picardie. I see the middle section as an attempt to chase away the earlier demons, in spite of the most resolute efforts to put on a brave face, but it his how the music turns back to the minor key that has always fascinated me. The second D minor section seems more reflective and melancholy than the first, and my favourite section is the part beginning from the big D major ending to part II. It is so chromatic and tonally ambiguous and just masterfully leads us gradually back into the minor "mood", giving a sense of the sadness of real life encroaching onto the transient upbeat middle section. I love your treatment of this section, though in my mind I hear the beginning of it a bit more rubato and undecided as the earlier resolute joyousness gradually dissipates. In any case, like many others, I discovered you - thankfully - through Rick Beato's wonderful channel. I hope his great words help you find your wings. You are one of the best musicians I've heard in a very long time and I love all the facets of your playing, singing and arranging. Great that all your areas of musical interest cross-pollinate so magically!!! Incidentally, if you haven't already read it, check out the fantastic chapter on the "Chaconne" form by Alex Ross in his great book "Listen to This" - it's called "Chacona, Lamento, Walking Blues" - it could have been written just for you!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

❤️🙏Thanks for your thoughts!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@rogerhudson9779]

Indulging the Alan's "Passion" idea in the Chaconne, perhaps the major section represents the Resurrection...or as was also stated, hope after the death of his wife...or both. I enjoyed the discussion. Alan's Bach is gorgeous. Whew!

[@nightnoodler812]

Thank you what a great insightful conversation, oh I learned so much with out even listening to music, but just your words. Thank You

[@garconuncafecalva5992]

Thank you Vinnie Moore ! Vinnie is a phenomenal guitarist BTW. Meltdown is my favorite album of his.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Yes! The one I mentioned was “Time Odyssey”. I played the tape until it wore out!

[@TheDouglasSeth]

LOVE THIS! Thank you 🙏

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@AndrewGorny]

This is so amazing

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

❤️🙏

[@TimEmmerton]

Hi Alan just learnt about you from Stanley’s Email, really looking forward to settling in to the recording tonight. From other comments about pdf availability, which I would love too, I worry for your copyright and losing earnings from pdfs. Some idiot will end up scanning the book and putting it online at some point so you might as well own the pdfs from the off. Per olav kindgren has a shop with a method of protecting his pdf’s, in case you need some revenue protection inspiration 😉

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks for the advice Tim 🙏❤️

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@donovan665]

We Love Bach, he would improvise all the time at home i;m sure and would jam to these arrangements. Great work, Plus you've inspired me to jam a bit with the Bach i know.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Excellent!! Keep plucking!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@ColinThomasIsotti]

Good show boys!!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re a classical guitarist looking for THE book of secrets. This is it. Stanley Yates’ Technique book. There’s two volumes. Nothing comes close. www.classicalguitarstudy.com/cgt

[@andrefischer5259]

Hi Alan, do you plan to arrange the rest of the 6 solos ? That would be fantastic!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

@@andrefischer5259 If my muse points in that direction, I’ll be obedient. At the moment I’m working on a collection of new Spanish arrangements and a collection of original compositions. ❤️🙏

[@nightnoodler812]

Alan mabey you could have an interview with Rick? Bribe him with a little Bach. And Noodling is a great thing, it creates things. And I like too challange myself with every noodle

[@friedlotto]

I’ve been looking forward to watching this the whole week. Talk about delayed gratification. I certainly hope you can snare many more Bach-heads into recording conversations.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@picksalot1]

Very interesting and informative conversation. I was looking for an opportunity to ask you about your approach to using a Capo, but you answered most of what I was curious about. I also play Dowland with a Capo (and the 3rd string tuned down a 1/2 step to preserve Renaissance Lute tuning). I liked your comment about using the Capo to get a "Baroque" sound, as it also makes Vihuela music, etc. sound more appropriate, and Campanella's easier to perform with the shorter scale length. Do you have any plans to record some of Scarlatti's Harpsichord music on guitar? His music sounds particularly good on guitar, and the use of a Capo makes me think that more of his repertoire may actually be playable on the un-Baroque guitar. Next stop, the Netherlands Bach Society to hear the Harpsichord recording of the Violin Adagio by Bach for the Harpsichord. Thanks for the tip.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Dowland I use 3rd fret. Depends on the piece. I usually don’t do it dogmatically because I use my own fingerings. I’m very attracted aesthetically to the lute tuning because it’s symmetrical and therefore attractive. I use it on the Oracion piece here on the channel.

[@picksalot1]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven Yes, I use a 3rd fret Capo also, and like the symmetrical tuning as well. I have a Renaissance Lute, so that helps, but it's a pain to tune. I listened to the Bach Adagio on Harpsichord. I had originally imagined the Stately nature of the piece, but not the dramatic intent as in the Harpsichord version. Thanks for the tip. 👍 I need to find a list of all the Bach solo Violin works that he made a Harpsichord version of. Do you think Bach himself made the Lute Suite versions? Personally, I doubt it, as they sound too simple and uninspired. If he had, I think they would sound more like your versions of Bach. Thanks

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

@@picksalot1 Yes I envision the Adagio as somewhere between gothic funeral bells and perhaps even an “Easter morning” type resurrection. I love the 996 and 997 suites though they’re very difficult. I don’t think those ones were written for lute. I think they were intended for the lautenwerk.

[@karlwguitar]

Brilliant!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@splashesin8]

I shared this with a friend who used to sit for hours in the car with me talking this way about Bach. He's going to totally flip when he hears the next link. I thought he would enjoy this one first, not knowing what else yet. :)

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

❤️🙏

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@splashesin8]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven Thanks! :)

[@DaveCorsello]

Most discussions of Bach's genius focus on technicalities. But you speak of the Chaconne as a narrative of his reasoning out his faith, and you describe how this informed your interpretation. I don't think I've ever heard such an intelligent discussion of the integration of faith and music. I believe the best well to draw from when creating music is love, and there is no love greater than God's. Beyond the incredible technicalities of your performance, perhaps it's your recognition of the validity of this kind of integration that sets your recording apart from others and will do so into the future--as was and continues to be the case with Bach himself.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks 🙏 Dave. That’s very kind.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@DaveCorsello]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven Thanks. I'll check it out. Loved the video you posted on FaceBook in which he covers right hand ornamentation.

[@vesternor]

Yessss!! Nice wan!

[@erajad]

Fascinating conversation! (And mix of accents! Belfast and ... hints of the Pennines?)

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Yep 👍🏻 Stanley is from Preston, Lancashire

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@erajad]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven On it now - fascinating! I'm just at the figuration part. Was wondering about chorales in relation to melodies, and Stanley Yates has just spoken to that. (The St Matthew Passion is probably my favourite Bach....). MANY THANKS for the heads-up, and for the discussion. Wonderful stuff.

[@katydonald7014]

Brilliant conversation! I enjoyed this very much. Who is the other gentleman?

[@katydonald7014]

Never mind, it's in the title, Stanley Yates. Great stuff!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

My teacher and guitar hero One of the greatest guitarists of all time!

[@rdctd8690]

Oh this should great!

[@rdctd8690]

Excellent stuff! Fascinating insights from two proper masters. Cheers for posting, dude!

[@jabberwocky4353]

This wonderful discussion led my mind to someone I hadn't listened to in a couple of decades....George Malcolm's brain quite frankly scares me.

[@ricklinville3848]

I saw Dr. Stanley Yates perform with my guitar teacher Bryce Mullins who studied under Yates at college. He is definitely a Jedi Master of guitar lol. This was such an fascinating video to watch thank you!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Awesome Rick! Stanley always talks fondly of Bryce. I think we’re both going to play at the next APSU Guitarfest next year 👍🏻

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@writereducator]

Imagine being so good that not only can you play the Chaconne, you can play around with it!

[@hughlawson5399]

funkadelic once said "nothing is good unless you play with it". bach would've wanted people fiddling around with his music. he was a master improviser.

[@snarkyboojum]

🔥

[@manitasdeplomo]

I’m really convinced by your job on Bach. So I decided to buy the score. But as All my scores are in my iPad, and due to pb deliveries (extra cost and packages declared delivered but nothing in my letterbox) I would prefer a pdf. Do you plan to offer this possibility ? I didn’t find it… Thank you for all. I absolutely love your authenticity.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

I believe it’s an imminent probability! There’s just a few details we have to figure out. Thanks for your patience and support 🙏❤️

[@manitasdeplomo]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven ohh cool ! Thks a lot ! My hype is raising. I Will keep connected. I notice how you take care of your audience. Always trying to answer any post…. Authentic and humble. A true person. I understand why I ´me so fan. I’m gonna light a candle for Rick … 😂

[@manitasdeplomo]

I could buy it today and download ! I love all your introduction and explanation of the process and the spirit you had for this project. Everyone should read it, makes the listening of the piece more clear. I was touched by the parallel with Bach’ wife decease, and the link maintained over the death, in a different mode… wao, could hear that in your playing. Now I’m gonna study your score. I’ll Come back in fifty years… from the major side of the creation probably, as I’m pretty old now. Thank you. Very important job, I hope the community of classical guitarists will notice and include that work in their repertoire. So interesting …

[@nightnoodler812]

We are the passengers not the drivers when I hear music, and when playing, i might be the driver, but the music is the car. BACH did not invent the car, he invented the wheel.

[@Boldstrummer]

Audio is TOO LOW

[@CaribSurfKing1]

Nerds 🙂

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

😂

[@edwardmorton6691]

I bet when J S played music he never played it the same way twice. I never liked the wrap-the-knuckle approach to music, the note for note perfectionism that leads to heartless, soulless, technical, mechanicalism. I believe there is a fire in your approach and it's really the first time I've felt it in any music by Bach played on guitar. I have, of course listened to Bream and Williams and brilliant though I have always viewed them to be, I've never felt the breath of life in them. Years ago I studied the perception of art and came across the concept of performing music the way the a composer intended. I immediately saw great problems with this based on the fact that music itself exists in different forms and the whole is much greater than its parts. It exists in the composer's mind, it exists as a score, it exists as a performance and it exists as a perception of the listener. No amount of musical archaeology can ever uncover how it actually sounded at that time. I think you were blessed to have Maestro Yates as a teacher and mentor. He allowed you to begin your blossoming and he didn't stilt your growth and bend you branches. I hope too that he never wrapped your knuckles. A delight listening to you both.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Thanks 🙏

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

If you’re interested check out the new Bach discussion with Dr Yates kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW3fZurqLppapI

[@rogerramjet6615]

Your album is titled ''Six Solo Works By J.S. Bach'' not ''Bach Works with extra counterpoint by Mearns''. You might be a fantastic guitarist but don't mess with Bach's counterpoint and if you do, make sure it's properly labeled.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

It is. 😂 This is normal baroque practice Have you seen my recording? You seem very upset. Any piece that I have added counterpoint to is labeled J.S. Bach / A.Mearns ❤️🙏

[@rogerramjet6615]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven Ok as long as people know the music is rewritten. I wish you the best of luck with your music career. You are a great musician & guitarist and I will be listening out for future recordings.

[@nightnoodler812]

Rhetorical Answers...I can noodle to that

[@rogerramjet6615]

I only hope you are not rewriting Bach's music and still calling it Bach. This would be the height of sacrilege and ego mania.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Like any other of the many expanded arrangements in music history it’s Bach/Mearns of course.

[@twangbarfly]

Why not? Siloti did, Busoni did, others have done so too, including Bach (although he rightfully signed it in his own name....). I love his music but I'm sure he'd be quite a bit more broad-minded than many think as regards rearranging his music. I reckon he'd have loved jamming his backside off with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea. Only my opinion of course...

[@rogerramjet6615]

@@twangbarfly Because it would be misrepresentation. If it is labelled 'Bach' then it should be written by Bach. You are entitled to imagine what you think Bach would like or dislike (although his adherence to the strict rules of contrapunctal voice leading would suggest he would not be a fan of the styles you mention for example the use of consecutive 5ths are absent from his writing as he considered them to sound crude) I just think it is important that young listeners don't mistakenly think that other people's writing are his.

[@rogerramjet6615]

@@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven The term ''arrangement'' is not adequate. If the structure is altered or new parts are written, this should be made clear. We are talking about possibly the greatest musical genius in history.

[@leforain]

@@rogerramjet6615 The proof of the pudding is in the tasting. Listening to his brilliant interpretations of Bach tells me everything I need to know. I don't know anything about Bach thinking consecutive fifths were crude. As far as I know, consecutive fifths were avoided because they obscure the contrapuntal lines. In the Chorales alone there are at least 54 instances of consecutive perfect fifths! I think the important thing, as Yates and Mearns discuss, it's not our constricted and limited understanding of the "rules" but how the music sounds. To my ears, a couple of words to describe it might be exquisite and Sublime! May you be happy peaceful and safe. May you live your life with ease!

[@shannonswenderman9205]

Thanks!

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

You’re welcome 🙏