Track Listing

1. Prelude (From Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007)
2. Sarabande (From Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007)
3. Gigue (From Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007)
4. Gavotte I & II (From Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012)
5. Gavotte I & II (From Cello Suite No. 5, BWV 1011)
6. Bouree I & II (From Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010)
7. Preludio (From Violin Partita No. 3, BWV 1006)
8. Loure (From Violin Partita No. 3, BWV 1006)
9. Gavotte en Rondeau (From Violin Partita No. 3, BWV 1006)
10. Menuet I & II (From Violin Partita No. 3, BWV 1006)
11. Bouree (From Violin Partita No. 3, BWV 1006)
12. Gigue (From Violin Partita No. 3, BWV 1006)
13. Prelude, BWV 846
14. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (From Cantata 147)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #133090 in Music
• Released on: 2001-09-08
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .17 pounds

Album Description
Recorded from 1996 to 1998 and released in 2001 Johann Sebastian Bach Partita No. 3 for Unaccompanied Ukulele and Other Baroque Masterpieces is the only ukulele recording to include a major work by Bach in its entirety: Partita No. 3, BWV 1006. Performed by John King, the leading proponent of performance in the campanella style. The campanella style is noted for a bell like quality of sound in which individual notes over-ring one another producing an effect very much like that of the harp. This is accomplished by playing each succeeding note in a melodic line on a different string. The ukulele adapts well to this style of performance due to its hallmark re-entrant (my-dog-has-fleas) tuning.

John Berger, Honolulu Star Bulletin, May 10, 2002
"Harp-like sound."

All Songs Considered, National Public Radio, Episode 22
"John King stretches a small instrument to new lengths."

Customer Reviews

Ahh, Bach.
I mean it. This isn't some look-ma-no-hands-Bach-on-a-uke novelty recording. It's the real deal, the ne plus ultra, an Everest of an accomplishment. As a musical interpreter John King is top-flight; as a technician on his chosen instrument, he is without peer. And this is pure Bach. Pure and simple. One man, one ukulele, one great recording.

When King plays, the Prelude to the First Cello Suite is a tightly wound spring that uncoils from beginning to end in one long, sinuous line. Flawlessly. The Gigue from the same suite is a toe-tapping terpsichorean treat. The Gavotte en Rondeau from the Violin Partita No. 3 has a freshness, as though King were improvising it with divine inspiration. This is an ukulele? None like I've ever heard. Possibly the ultimate musical oxymoron: the whimsical ukulele expressing Bachian profundities. Without a doubt, the Master would approve.

Wonderful music
As the other reviewer said, this is the real thing. A fine musician playing wonderful music. Yes, it's being played on a ukulele, but that's secondary. Mr King is a wonderful interpreter of Bach. Period. Now to deal with the ukulele. After hearing these cello concertos on a cello (amazing huh?), it is a treat to hear them on a ukulele. Instead of the deep rumblings with a bow, you hear clear bell like tones. Mr King also used the Campanella style, which brings the wonderful clear and precise tone of the ukulele out even more. If you love the music of Bach, please buy this CD. This is a great CD, and I hope that Mr King will eventually turn his attention to some of the wonderful preBaroque musicians as well. Byrd would be wonderful played on a ukulele this way.

classic ukulele
A beautiful album by a master musician, carefully chosen music played superbly and recorded with great care.