Best of Bach

The music of Johann Sebastian Bach is essential to the pedagogical canon. His music is known to help build a myriad of technical skills and expose musicians to a wide world of harmonic structures. We have gone through our catalog to put together the “Best of Bach” available on Harp Column Music for beginners and beyond. 

Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.

Arioso

arr. Angela Klöhn

We’re starting off strong with this timeless Bach staple that is suitable for all occasions. Angela Klöhn’s arrangement of “Arioso” is beautiful. For lever harpists, check out this one-page abridged version arranged by Bette Vidrine.

Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major

trans. by Katherine Thomas

Everyone knows Bach’s popular “Prelude in C” study, but the fugue is rarely heard. Katherine Thomas’ transcription includes both! For lever harpists, check out Helga Harper’s arrangements of “Prelude in C” for 23-string and 34-string harp.

Prelude (from Cello Suite No. 1)

arr. Maria Luisa Rayan

I will never stop recommending that harpists learn this masterpiece! Besides being a beautiful piece of music, it also makes an excellent etude for thumb articulation. Maria Luisa’s arrangement is expertly marked with fingerings. For lever harpists, check out Merynda Adams’ abridged version.

*Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

arr. Sylvia Woods

A staple for wedding ceremonies and beyond, you can never go wrong with this joyful piece by Bach. Woods’ book includes a harp solo, harp duet, harp and flute (or other melody instrument) duet, as well as an optional vocal part.

Potentially Bach’s most well-known work, The Well-Tempered Clavier consists of two sets of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys. We are thrilled to offer each piece from the collection on Harp Column Music. Check out a few of our favorite arrangements:

*Bach for All Harpists

by Laura Sherman

If you have read the March-April 2024 issue of Harp Column magazine, you know all about the amazing work Laura Sherman has done to make Bach accessible for harp. This collection includes six graded keyboard transcriptions that increase in difficulty, most of which are from the Well-Tempered Clavier. Two of the pieces can be played on lever harp. Check out Sherman’s other Bach transcriptions here. 

Forty-Eight Preludes & Fugues (Book 1)

by Katherine Thomas

Katherine Thomas has arranged the entire Well-Tempered Clavier collection (both preludes and fugues) for solo pedal harp. Book 1 includes preludes and fugues 1–24 and Book 2 includes preludes and fugues 25–48. Each set (prelude and fugue) is also available individually.

Bach Preludes

by Maria Luisa Rayan

This collection by Maria Luisa Rayan includes four Bach preludes found in the Well-Tempered Clavier collection. Three more preludes arranged by Rayan can be found in a separate collection. 

*Gavotte

arr. Chuck Bird and Susan Peters

This short and sweet piece, arranged by Chuck Bird and Susan Peters, is wonderful for those just beginning to discover the music of Bach.

*Allemande (from Suite for Lute)

trans. Ailie Robertson

This soft, meditative, and dramatic piece arranged by Ailie Robertson is perfect for recital repertoire and other occasions.

*Andate Cantabile (from Sonata No. 2)

arr. Rhett Barnwell

Perhaps one of my favorite works by Bach, this violin work has been adapted for harp and organ duet. It is perfect for worship services, meditation, concerts, and more. For more Bach arrangements by Barnwell, see his Basically Bach collection.

*Sheep May Safely Graze

arr. kim Robertson

This excerpt from the well-known cantata is arranged by Kim Robertson with full chords in the right hand, and arpeggios and parallel harmonies in the left hand accompaniment. The harmony has been simplified for lever harp to avoid accidentals.

*Three Menuets

by Maria Luisa Rayan

If you are a beginner looking to play Bach, this is the collection for you! These pieces arranged by Maria Luisa Rayan are beloved, well-known little gems from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach.

Badinerie

arr. Ekaterina Afanasieva

An exciting and brief movement from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, this piece arranged by Ekaterina Afansieva would make an excellent encore piece on a recital program! 

Concerto in F Major (Movement I)

arr. Angela Klöhn

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional wedding recessional pieces, I think this upbeat and joyous movement from Concerto in F Major arranged by Angela Klöhn fits the bill perfectly!

Praeambulum

arr. Maria Luisa Rayan

From Bach’s Partita No. 5, this famous number, also known as “Piece en Sol” arranged by Henriette Renié, is a charming gem.

Chaconne

arr. Skaila Kanga

For those who are up for a challenge, try Bach’s “Chaconne” from his violin Partita No. 2 in D minor. To tackle this 15-minute piece, Kanga has included performance notes!

Goldberg Variations

arr. Marcela Mendez & Maria Luisa Rayan

It is evident that Marcela Mendez and Maria Luisa Rayan have carefully researched this work to create this edition for two pedal harps. Although it is an abridged version of the original, it contains 17 thoughtfully selected variations with the aim of presenting those best suited to the harp.