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Ruoshi Sun wrote (November 26, 2021):
This project began when I wanted to play Kyrie eleison but could not find a piano transcription on IMSLP. At that time I had no plans to transcribe the entire Mass in B minor, but as I worked on more and more movements, I decided to take on this challenge.
To me the most amazing aspect of Bach's music is the rich counterpoint that exemplifies the perfect balance of art and logic. Therefore, I adopted a literal approach, especially for fugal passages. My own edits mainly involve octave transpositions and omissions for practical concerns. Additions to the original include: (1) The figured bass realization in Christe eleison, which is printed in small font and is intended as a suggestion only. (2) The bass tremolo in Sanctus resembles the timpani but uses the actual bass note instead.
There are several movements in which significant comprise must be made due to the extreme contrapuntal density, most notably Cum Sancto Spiritu, Sanctus, and Osanna. (Among all the transcribed movements I am most satisfied with Sanctus and least with Osanna.) Even then, I frankly admit that the playability of these three movements may be borderline, but I believe that the very best pianists can tackle them.
The easiest movements are the trios Benedictus and Agnus Dei. Many movements are perhaps at the level of Ricercar a 6 from the Musical Offering. My own level is ABRSM Grade 7 and I have no problem playing the Kyrie eleison. A handspan of a tenth is not a prerequisite, but would help in certain passages. Octave transpositions are at the discretion of the performer, provided it does not alter the chord inversion.
My main source is the Neue Bach-Ausgabe edition (Serie II, Band 1) which can be found on IMSLP.
The entire work is licensed under CC Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 so that anyone is welcome to build on top of it. If this can serve as a source of inspiration for a better transcription, I would be most privileged to be part of the journey. |
