Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor (arr. for cello) BWV 1004
The closing movement of Bach's Partita No. 2 for solo violin, a monumental set of variations over a repeating bass pattern. Multiple cello arrangements exist, transposing the work into a register and idiom the cello can sustain; none is canonical. Most cellists work from their own adaptation or a colleague's. The Chaconne on cello retains the violin original's architectural logic across some sixty-four variations, three movements in one, and has become a staple of solo cello recital programming despite not being written for the instrument.
This piece has no signed contributions yet.
Write the first performer's note, a practice note on a specific passage, or an interpretive school you'd defend in front of colleagues.
Chaconne
Schott
Transcription for solo cello by the Busch brothers' cellist. Playable in its original key with extensive double stops; a demanding but idiomatic reading.
Faber Music
Isserlis's own performing arrangement, transposed and lightly adapted for the cello's sonority. Printed with his fingerings and a short preface on the adaptation choices.