The Omni-Bach Series: Introduction
The Omni-Bach series presents complete masterworks by J. S. Bach, transposed into 12 keys. The series fosters a deeper understanding of the foundations of tonal harmony (progressions, cadences, voicings, arpeggios, scales, etc.), and the development of an all-embracing mastery of instrumental technique.
Classical and jazz guitarists will find ample material for arranging, sight-reading, improvisation, and harmony studies.
Why BWV 1002?
Violin Partita No. 1 in B Minor (BWV 1002) is unique in that it offers a view of Bach's process of elaboration through a "paired movement" structure.
The four "doubles" are effectively written-out improvisations on their preceding dance movements. This structure of paired movements reveals Bach's profound approach to decoration and embellishment of a common harmonic framework.
Sources
The primary sources for this edition were the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis edited by Wolfgang Schmieder, and Neue Bach-Ausgabe, published by Bärenreiter and edited by Günter Haußwald and Pete Wollny. There are no additional slurs or markings of any kind.
Thoughts on Practice
The benefits of practicing Bach's compositions in all keys are numerous, some obvious, and others perhaps surprising. After practicing these pieces in various keys, you may find that:
Harmonic progressions and cadences become easier to hear and to understand, especially as you encounter familiar structures in unfamiliar keys.
As you become more comfortable with the compositions, you will begin to anticipate fingerings in new keys, playing by ear; an increasingly strong sense of relative pitch will begin to lead your hands.
It is extremely valuable to play the same single movement for an extended practice session in multiple (at least three, preferably five or more) different keys (back to back). This side-by-side approach will shed further light on the inner workings of Bach's harmonic progressions and melodic design.
There is great benefit in devising new fingerings suitable for each particular key, rather than merely shifting the same finger patterns up or down the fretboard. Break out of positional playing by employing open strings; connect positions by playing motives or melodic designs along single strings.
Quotes on Dan Cosley
"Dan Cosley is a real, gifted musician with genuine skills as a composer. He belongs to a restricted community of guitarists who place music even above the guitar." - Roland Dyens
"Exceptional qualities as a performer, scholar, and human being... Cosley is also a very talented and accomplished composer and improviser." - Ricardo Iznaola
About the Author
DAN COSLEY is a guitarist, composer, and arranger based in Kyoto, Japan. An expert on classical guitar technique and repertoire, as well as jazz improvisation, Dan has successfully prepared students to attend top institutions such as the Berklee College of Music while maintaining full teaching, composing, and performing schedules.
Three intensive years as teaching assistant to renowned pedagogue Ricardo Iznaola strongly influenced Dan's teaching and learning approach. Afterward, he served as a professor of music at Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon, where he taught classical and jazz guitar, orchestration, guitar ensemble, notation, and composition.
In 2017, following the closure of Marylhurst University, Dan took leave from academia and relocated to Kyoto, Japan, to intensify his composition and performance activities. Most recently, he has created wayoftheguitar.com, a comprehensive online training system for fretboard harmony, aural skills, and improvisation.
