Since humans were first making music, the art form has evolved considerably.
Starting in prehistoric times, people shaped the primitive way of producing various sounds by composing and arranging a sequence of notes until it evolved to what it is today. Still, we can go back even further to when music didn’t rely on electronics or computer manipulation. Let’s go back to when all kinds of genius minds crafted music with their own unique and rich forms of expression, both artistic and elegant: the Baroque era of music.
As it turns out, it was a way of viewing music as a ”misshapen pearl.”
Baroque, from the Portuguese word, barocco, means “oddly shaped pearl.”
It was how historians described the music during that era, particularly in Western Europe. Jean-Jacques Rousseau explained it himself in 1768:
“Baroque music is that in which the harmony is confused, and loaded with modulations and dissonances.”
It is also when various musical forms were introduced such as operas, sonatas, oratorios, and even concertos.
One of the most notable musicians during this era was Johann Sebastian Bach, famously known for his sonatas. In this video, musician Drew Henderson extracts Bach’s composition and tries to play it on his guitar. Henderson excerpted two arrangements from Bach’s sonata composition.
Both the Adagio and Fuga movements from Bach’s 2nd Sonata sounded beautiful on his eight-stringed guitar.
Henderson plucked his guitar and produced incredibly vibrant sounds.
While most guitars only have six strings, Henderson’s allows for more range and depth to fully capture the nuances of Bach’s compositions. The lulling sounds from his guitar are sure to make listeners feel at ease as it resonates through the chapel hall, warming your ears with beautiful melodies. It’s so great to see such an old form of music adapted to a more modern instrument!
The music’s slow tempo and contrasting elements are what make it sound so naturally good on his guitar.
By playing the notes with comfort and precision, Henderson successfully performed the four-minute prelude of 2nd Sonata. Moving on, he starts playing the second movement, also known as the fugue.
This time, the music is played at a much faster tempo compared to Bach’s original slow-fast-slow-fast structure.
Henderson’s fingers run up and down the fretboard, tapping each note as if he were weaving fine silk. Though Bach isn’t here to see Henderson’s cover, we’re wondering what his reaction would’ve been to this!
In the middle of the arrangement, Henderson was able to bend the notes to his will as he made some fine improvisations in some parts.
Despite its complex arrangement, Henderson was able to break through the song’s core and made it his own. Since it was posted, his rendition grabbed the attention of baroque music lovers across the web.
Henderson performed both arrangements relentlessly in his guitar.
It was impressive that even without the help of sheet music, his fingers found their way through the correct notes through muscle memory.
Henderson uploaded the entire performance on YouTube and earned more than one million views!
Though it speaks for itself, it’s clear people loved his performance for the way he played his guitar with poise and passion. If J.S. Bach were still alive, we’re guessing he would have loved this!
Be sure to watch the whole video by clicking the link below:
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