J.S. Bach: Prelude in C Minor "pour le luth" BWV 999; David Tayler, archlute 4K UHD video

The prelude in C Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, performed on the archlute by David Tayler.
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Bach's prelude BWV 999 features a dialogue of two textures. The more present texture, which consists of an endless arpeggio in the treble range, is accompanied by a flat-footed bass line that is almost invariably composed of two melodic skips downwards. This bass pattern is varied only once, in the thirty-third bar (Bach loved to construct pattern in threes), where the work stabilizes in G Major before the final coda. In the arpeggiated part, long lines of counterpoint are carefully woven into the chordal texture, also resolving in the thirty-third bar with the bass line. In the middle section of the work, the stepwise motion of the bass settles on a long pedal point on D which oscillates briefly with the E Flat a half step higher; the E Flat is the pivot point between the two keys of C Minor and G Major.
To use Richard Crocker's term, the arpeggios "ruffle" the homophony, and Bach uses his genius to create a small gem of a prelude from the different textures and harmonies.
The original manuscript for the prelude includes the rubric "pour le luth" (for the lute), and the work can be performed on different types of lutes or keyboards including the lute harpsichord, and sounds well on all of these. On the lute, the performer can use dynamics to accentuate some of the contrapuntal lines, but the work is equally persuasive on the keyboard.
Pitch A=415; temperament: Neidhardt-Doodle
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Archlute by Andreas von Holst
#Bach #Prelude #LuteSuite

[@zigwil153]

I got my first real sixteen-string Bought it at the five-and-dime Played it till my fingers bled It was the summer of 1669

[@VictorYRus777]

Maybe 1969 year you meant?

[@meriharary]

No. He meant 1669. It’s a joke based on a song.

[@СергейМ-ж6я]

@@meriharary could you explain a joke for non-English speakers

[@user-lh8he8sr3q]

@@meriharary Do you happen to know the song's name?

[@pinkfloydhomer]

Bach was born in 1685

[@LeandroDelPrete]

0:40 that note. That note is surreal. Brilliant. Every time I listen to this, that note gets me. What magnificent progression.

[@PabloPerez-ed9gp]

🙂

[@bernios3446]

I know what you mean - when I first learned this piece on the piano, I used to get goose bumps every time I played that passage. Bach had this instinct to touch the listeners heart directly. No other composer had that power to the same extent as Bach.

[@bagofrandom]

agreed

[@henrique2678]

@@bernios3446 I feel the same. Bach was a freaking genius!

[@treppenhauer4643]

that note is great indeed. Also, three notes after, the note is very high providing a brilliant context for that deep note in 0:40. You get the feeling that the chord progression all of a sudden opens up in both ways.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you all very much for the 5 million views -- David ❤

[@dzhaughnne]

A beautifully subtle and appropriate interpretation of a brilliant piece of music. Thank you.

[@winter5340]

My pleasure to be view 5,145,739. And, I’m not joking, I can’t imagine what tuning that must be like.

[@VoightComp]

Bach didn't write music, he captured the mathematics of the universe and allowed us to hear it.

[@balice806]

Beautifully and proudly put!

[@linaferrazza9186]

❤

[@josephchilds2958]

I'm curious, what mathematics are you thinking?

[@Targeted_1ndividual]

@@josephchilds2958 people like to mention the golden ratio in discussion of Bach, so maybe number theory or what have you. Really though, people just throw out math as a word to describe Bach since his music is very patterned and structured.

[@AjuanThomas]

My high school music teacher got me to play this for a competition but more an Andres Segovia delivery and I was forever addicted. I miss my teacher, but he left me something great.

[@charlesduncan9019]

Love the relaxed tempo--so often the piece is played too fast, faster than the ear can absorb its beauty. It's not a technical exercise, it's an unpretentious work of art.

[@stevestringer7351]

I agree. If played too fast the perfection of Bach is lost. Every composer has good works and not so good works. However, everything that J.S. Bach wrote was perfect. The form and the harmonic structure were perfect. That is why we still study his works today. Sure, he went by certain "rules", if you will, when composing. However, for more modern composers to "break" the rules one must first know what the res to be broken are.

[@rossthemusicandguitarteacher]

I agree with you entirely.

[@allan2098]

I have played this for many years and cannot recall ever seeing a tempo guide on the sheet for this. It is often played faster due to the interesting melody being in the bass line. Bach wrote it for a harpsichord so it would normally be very fast I would imagine. I quite like it played this slow on this majestic instrument though..

[@gospeltruthtv]

So true! Makes me think of Glenn Gould’s recordings of the Goldberg Variations...his first recording was in 1955, his technique was flawless & the tempo was fast. In his 1981 recording, the tempo was much slower & more thoughtful. Both are amazing listens, but the last recording resonates with the soul.

[@MC-tg1xk]

You are right. I did enjoy it played slower. I used to play this piece myself on the guitar, and I might be playing two or three bases differently or maybe it is the addition of the numerous strings he has that makes his slightly different than what I play but only in the base. But yes, I tend to play it faster. I could play it with a blindfold, not even looking at the strings. It is mesmerizing for me and I drift off in a meditation of sorts when I play it. It is my favorite piece from Bach. I am rusty as I have not played it in more than 5 years. It is very interesting to see the original instrument it was designed for, and how it is played on it. Thank you sir for playing it for us in this way.

[@thinkofmusic37]

David Tayler's archlute performance feels like a journey back in time. To hear Bach played with such captivating grace! Watching this in 4K UHD is truly a mesmerizing experience. The power of pure artistry is felt!🎶🌟

[@СергейФедяев-л9п]

Потрясающая вещь. Словно, окунулся в те времена, как в прошлую жизнь.

[@olesyamoskalenko7730]

ОЧЕНЬ КРАСИВО !!!!! Спасибо за чудесную музыку и талантливое исполнение !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@an1rb]

JS Bach is 17th century, he is 18th c., he is 21st century. JS Bach is timeless.

[@rman52]

As are all the classical and jazz composers. They are all immortal.

[@winstonelston5743]

Saint Augustin said _Bach exists outside of time._

[@reggisniff]

Великолепное исполнение, пробирает до слёз. Спасибо!

[@callenclarke371]

The thing about this video is that it succeeds on all fronts. Immaculate performance, wonderful technique, stunning visual. Well done.

[@monicacall7532]

I love the sound of the theorobo. This is the perfect tempo for this prelude. I hate it when it’s played like the performer is trying to win the Indy 500. Bravo!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you, Monica.

[@PabloPerez-ed9gp]

Real😂😂😂

[@mansourgaripov1474]

Великолепно. Кто за искусство ставит дизлайки? Люди попробуйте сыграть сами. Для этого нужно пройти длительный процесс обучения, постоянных репетиций, это адский труд.

[@АлександрАгашков-в3г]

Не имею представления, за что тут можно поставить дизлайк🤔

[@ОльгаИ-у4с]

очень много людей просто не любят музыку.у меня подруга, так можно сказать, ей что ни поставь всё не по душе.А вы знаете что Пифагор не брал себе в ученики человека который не слышал до 1\16 тона.вот так.это о многом говорит.Не входит человек в резонанс с чистыми звуками.

[@Mr.Darsi92]

@@ОльгаИ-у4с Подруге включи Дмитрий Хворостовский " Песни военных лет" это концерт попадает в сердце любого человека хоть он не знает русский язык.

[@Mr.Darsi92]

@@АлександрАгашков-в3г Я думаю эти люди музыканты профессионалы. Дело в том что ХТК Баха всегда надо и обязательно играть прелюдию и фугу. А тут только прелюдия До-мажор.

[@MultiGemoglobin]

@@АлександрАгашков-в3г мне однажды показали переписку в директе ( инстаграм ) и там были откровенные проклятия. А хозяйка этого Инстаграм занимается оздоровительными практиками и делится полезными для здоровья вещами. После чего я понял что мы живём в мире где рядом много душевно больных людей которые к сожалению не изолированы и не находятся под присмотром. Поэтому дизлайк это то самое меньшее что такие люди могут сделать и слава Богу что Ютуб блокирует их комментарии . Вот такие дела.

[@Alexander_Zemsky]

Талант плюс ежедневный, именно ежедневный труд. Когда недалёкие люди говорят гадости про артистов, так и хочется сказать : артисты разные бывают !

[@CinemaoftheMind]

The flow of this piece doesn’t need anything from the instrumentalist but to be played, nor task the listener with anything but to listen. A subtle mix of both exact precision and pure emotion each without artifice or pretense. Such a satisfying state of bliss. Thank you!

[@johnlshilling1446]

Very true, but I'm a little unsure about the absence of finger-screeching. An acoustic guitar solo -- needs -- screeching -- or at least.., I've always assumed so. Why else would there always be -- SCREECHING!!! ?

[@VoicesofMusic]

Like finger squeaks? The fourth string is not wound with silver so it's a bit easier to minimize the squeaks. Also you have to lift your fingers straight up which is almost impossible.

[@johnlshilling1446]

@@VoicesofMusic Yep! I wuz offering a little satirical (sarcanism-alistic) compliment. The precision without the squeaks is rare. 🤪

[@justdev8965]

No sound is blissful until you listen to it high. The human mind is incredibly profound and THC is the key that unlocks some of its otherwise restrained perception.

[@gauss193]

Best version of BWV999; thank you!

[@VoicesofMusic]

:)

[@auvillars]

I agree ! The tempo is perfect, no rush !

[@ИгорьДымченко-к9л]

No-one can compose BETTER LIKE THIS Bach's music. NO ONE.

[@heikorudi6105]

It's still up to debate if bach really wrote this piece.

[@lynch8067]

@@heikorudi6105 no need any proof. You can immidiately tell if one piece is written by Bach

[@VoicesofMusic]

As Voices of Music passes the 400K subscribers mark, we thank you all for listening to our channel. And our fabulous musicians!

[@ВладВладыч-д5к]

насколько же эти люди гениальны, они не играют музыку на заученных аккордах, они говорят на ней, они поют на ней и при этом испытывают удовольствие

[@albertvanwessel1413]

David zit altijd zo bescheiden op het hoekje van het ensemble, maar hier laat hij even horen wat hij kan. Grandioos!

[@Goorlel]

is het een Nederlander?

[@RobinsMusic]

wajow nederland

[@vladimirkrylov6468]

Я тоже играл эту вещь когда-то, правда на пианино. Причем, когда учился в музыкальной школе, я играл примерно так же как и этот исполнитель. А потом я стал выделять мелодию на басах. Вся суть в басах, а на высоких нотах - аккомпанемент и связка.

[@александрлеутский]

Какая прекрасная музыка и исполнение.Моя душа замерла от восхищения.Браво маэстро,это божественно 👏👏👏👏

[@noahporter4487]

It's really incredible how something that takes years of work and study can come together in a few minutes to create something that transcends time itself.

[@rfdarsie]

Bach's exploration of diminished chords. What a marvelous performance.

[@ruthliz440]

You are not playing Sir: you are praying. With this sublime rendition you take me away to another realm. And feel the afterlife. I wish this would go on for ever...

[@ОльгаАбросимова-з3у]

Я люблю Вас, я люблю Вас, И.С.Бах, как одна безумная душа поэта.❤

[@justanotherbohemian3827]

So beautiful. Bach is a genius.

[@ilikezappa3268]

That word is overused,but he really was.

[@angelinathedrifter]

I ❤ Bach ..beautiful...Baroque composers did leave behind a mark in world of music. 👑

[@vilhelmlied9693]

Когда-то играла это произведение в музыкальной школе на фортепиано, но эта версия нравится мне в 1000 раз больше. Волшебно 🎶🎶

[@user-aleksaschka]

А что это за инструмент?

[@Lorinele1]

@@user-aleksaschka ТОже хотела поинтересоваться)

[@ДмитрийШишкин-з9с]

Просветите ,тоже интересно (лютня?)

[@MurarichSiberian]

Ребята, ну в названии же написано, ну немного же нужно интересоваться английским: архлютня типа, archlute

[@mediawolf1]

This is a song my sister used to play on guitar when we were young. Beautiful to listen to it again.

[@moonsmonsters]

Is this the kind of guitar you get when player 2 presses start?

[@moonsmonsters]

+riquelme376 you're right man my bad. this guitar could handle up to 4 player modes dual co-op

[@riquelme3764]

moonsmonsters I just meant that it is very unappreciated in this section of youtube :P

[@moonsmonsters]

+riquelme376 well his playing is nice if that what the others would rather me say.

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

That was the best comment I read in YEARS!!

[@VoicesofMusic]

ROFL

[@soniasecchin3559]

Magnífico !!!!! A melhor interpretação que pude assistir nos últimos tempos .O meu preferido , este prelúdio toca a minha alma !!!!!!!

[@zacharysandoval5787]

This guy is the perfect combination of intellect and soul.

[@luisasala6399]

Meravigliosa musica e gran musicista, suono pulitissimo, celestiale ...Grazie

[@georgealderson4424]

I haven't come across this piece of music before despite loving classical music by many composers it just shows no matter how old you are there is always something new to experience in life

[@bens9792]

This just popped in my feed. I’ve never heard of the archlute before. What a beautiful piece. Thanks.

[@RealCurrencies]

Very special. So relaxed, that's how you recognize people who actually know what they're doing.

[@paulbonge6617]

Mon Dieu! Not since the great Walter Gerwig have I heard this piece played so beautifully and OH what and instrument to play this on! Thank You!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Walter was a true pioneer.

[@paradiddleday]

Glad to hear the reference to Gerwig. His recording of the lute suites on vinyl meant so much to me over the years in both happy and difficult times.

[@Saranaprasadam]

That sympathetic resonance is heavenly

[@mistertamura6190]

I don't care if it's an outdated niche instrument, the sound of a lute always calms me down.

[@realtopicnow]

So beautiful

[@MultiKotofei]

...is the truth

[@notmymainlanguage3867]

Yes

[@vet6822]

understated...so so so so beautiful.

[@squashedopossum7584]

Beautiful. I’m crying. No symphony or song has ever done that for me.

[@Tsimbaloff]

this music make me cry too I do know why

[@juan150]

Thank you David and Voices of Music. You’re doing a service to all our souls by connecting us to our ancestors and roots through music. I’m currently learning this piece on the piano and your performance is inspiring me to get deeper into the meaning of each note, voice and tonal change 🎼

[@VoicesofMusic]

:)

[@peterclark8405]

As others have said, I love the relaxed tempo, and the lute has a beautiful sound. I play this on a 6-string classical guitar, and this rendition is far superior. I can see those extra bass strings coming in very handy for more accurate renditions of prelude #1 from the well-tempered clavier, or perhaps a transcription of Sheep May Safely Graze.

[@christozkv546]

This piece is elegant and mysterious

[@GustavoDB]

Something perfect to fill up a full empty space. I hear and I see a big cathedral or temple totally empty and filled with this ether coming from heaven

[@martijnpieterman]

Very expressive performerance! Beautiful! I do think that Bach has liked this performerance!

[@charlesgrant-skiba5474]

Great composers are like the Himalayas, above them there is only the sky, and above it begins Bach ...

[@adam4757]

This channel is full of such incredibly talented musicians

[@franciscomorilla5406]

La he escuchado mil veces y mil veces me encanta, gracias Dios mío, por la música, por Bach, por quien lo interpreta con tanto amor, muchas gracias

[@ponylover2206]

I love lutes, they have such a beautiful sound

[@jackywhite880]

I never cease to wonder what Bach would be writing right now, if he was still here. I suspect it might be wonderful.

[@openclassics]

For all, Who are funny about that second guitar-set that seems to be not in use: Thats the REVERB!!! Breathtaking Meditation!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Wonderful! Thank you from Cologne Germany.

[@АркадиАлборов-щ1ч]

Чудесное звучание.

[@StephenPShaw]

The prelude in C Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, performed on the archlute by David Tayler. Simply beautiful...

[@jacquesfontaine3384]

L'un des plus beaux instruments qui soit pour une grde musique .Merci bcp.

[@theodosios2615]

This is great! I like this version so much better than the way most guitarists just zip through it at lightning speed.

[@robertgandy4007]

Metal guitarist: I've got 7 strings. Classical musician: Hold my beer.

[@AndyIli]

7? Nowadays some have 18 😂😂

[@lred1383]

Piano players: You dare oppose me, mortal?

[@ArterialJam]

Hold my mead?

[@antonioluciovivaldi7615]

I’m a violinist. I guess I don’t stand a chance here.

[@philipbrown2225]

so funny , thank you !!

[@ЛюбовьЗонова-е4л]

Чудесное исполнение, просто замечательно!

[@mrfester42]

This puts you in another dimension.

[@OlmoHerediaBlanco]

Wow... Great prelude, exquisite instrument and wonderful version. Thanks!

[@vaishnavplays203]

Being a fingerstyle guitar player, I really appreciate you ......... this beast- like instrument will haunt me for days !!!!

[@chouzouris]

David this is absolutely beautiful.. A medicine for the soul.. Thanks so much

[@Katnip452]

“Bach (literally a brook) should be named Meer (Ocean) because of his infinite harmonies and combinations.” -Beethoven

[@ОлегОлевич]

Неожиданно, блестяще, богато, душевно...

[@carltaylor4942]

Gorgeous. Immaculate technique and beautifully played. Thank you, David.

[@brucefrizzell4221]

Beuatiful music on an instrument I have never seen before .

[@simege3367]

I will agree my friend.

[@盧南-f2p]

It is the first time that I see this kind of guitar 🎸. As a matter of fact, the sound of the music instrument is so wonderful.

[@agmoreno2422]

!!Maravilloso!!. Mágico ver como se toca un instrumento y de que virtuosismo. Larga vida.

[@timorean320]

Hauntingly Beautiful, that's Bach.

[@simonmcgrath4112]

What a beautiful piece of music and a delightful instrument!

[@roseterada7958]

The resonance of the lute enhances the harmonic air at this tempo. I am glad you chose a relaxed tempo; there

[@MichaelMontague]

He makes it look easy! He is a true professional! Amazing skill!

[@adonisadmirer2752]

It might look weird that I am taking the time to say this, but I think it is a very astute observation (and compliment) you made there; "amazing skill." In comment sections I often see people exclaim and speak of the great 'talent' of the performers, often neglecting how much time practicing it takes for them to get to this level. I feel this sort of thinking might also result in the mystification of music performance (at least at the semi-professional and professional level), as if it is to be practiced by a select few that have the talent for it. Most it takes is sheer practice and wanderlust, I believe. So do excuse me for rambling, and thank you for your comment.

[@tomdooley3522]

I love Bach , he stands between the middle ages and modern day , but no one , I mean no one has out done him and I don't believe anyone ever will.

[@billybobthekidiswack]

I like bach but there's plenty of composers who out done him but it's not really fair to compare bach to composers who have instruments that contain more them 60 keys, uses equal temperament, and have keyboard instruments that can be played well in an orchestral setting.

[@birjanka]

Очень-очень красиво! Спасибо за прекрасную музыку!

[@VoicesofMusic]

пожалуйста

[@vanbrabant6791]

Bach, immer ausgeglichen ohnegleichen, stets beispiellos gefasst, im Großen wie im Kleinen.

[@TrondBengtson]

A very beautiful interpretation.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Trond Bengtson Thanks, Trond~!

[@СвітланаСвистунова-ь9в]

Это просто божественно!!!💖💖💖

[@lacuna1477]

Просто чудо и ничего больше.

[@dearprudence2260]

Sometimes I try to imagine a world without music. I can't. I can't, I can't image that. I should; and that's very very sad.

[@i6tir]

Whoa, I played this song on the piano when I was a kid. Didn't know it was for the lute..! Sounds nice.

[@НатальяЕрмуратова]

Мне понравилось это замечательное исполнение прекрасного произведения искусства! БРАВООО!!!!!!!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you.

[@validvalid8335]

Спасибо.Признаюсь,я не силён в музыке,но,если слушать,скажем аудио,я бы решил,что маэстро играет на рояле.

[@ГалинаРудович-д8у]

Божественная музыка! Сомнамбулическая...как свет звёзд, как сама вечность... Исполнение почти совершенное!

[@vladimirrudnev9643]

it makes thinking of life in the most deepest aspect

[@GustavoDB]

Just perfect, this tempo with this instrument with this musician. 😊

[@Gray51Wolf]

Hauntingly beautiful...

[@M.B.331]

Wow! Very well played Bach's Prelude with a beautiful archlute! 🎶🎼🎵

[@VoicesofMusic]

Many thanks!

[@EricJamesHanson]

Just lovely, and yes, the timbre indeed is similar to a classical guitar. I love the sosteunuto effect from all the free strings too. Also...he has the whole thing memorized.

[@craigcarter3449]

Thank you for making my day. I could have this on an endless loop in my head forever. So we’ll played. Thank you again.

[@TravisTellsTruths]

That instrument... You're playing.... that song... it's magical beyond belief

[@TattiePeeler]

I keep coming back to this piece. The rolling melody and repitition just puts my mind in a special place. Too short! I would love if David Tayler released a digital/CD album of similar compositions, just for this instrument. I'm not alone, I'm sure. Look at the viewing figures/likes..

[@VoicesofMusic]

www.amazon.com/Garden-Green-Lute-Music-Scotland/dp/B00PJUD5E4

[@TattiePeeler]

@@VoicesofMusic, thank you for your reply.

[@vladislavpetkov2271]

Sometimes KZbin recommendations just hit the right spot.

[@mahalayananda]

thank you, in my taste it shouldnt be played much faster than this. Gives time to savor the details of beauty in the peace

[@kvinta]

Обалдеть...Я на 6 никак, а тут их целая вязанка!!!

[@funkymonks8333]

funny how you start to appreciate every note and combination when youre reading the song

[@andymelendez9757]

Bravo David! Nothing like a little Bach to make the world right again. Great tone and sound from that lute! MORE LUTES PLEASE

[@yugandali]

How elegant can you get!? Splendid!

[@eugeniatorizdiazcontreras5885]

Sublime...!

[@AntonSteliuk]

Wonderful sound! Carrying in the past.