# Bach, Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007

The most famous opening in solo cello literature. Broken-chord arpeggiation over a G major bass.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Johann Sebastian Bach

- **Work:** Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007

- **Movement:** Prelude

- **Era:** Baroque (c. 1600–1750)

- **Composed:** 1720

- **Key:** G

- **Metre:** 4/4

- **Tempo:** Moderato approximately 60 BPM

- **Clef:** Bass clef

- **Difficulty:** Intermediate

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Detaché, even bow distribution. The line must speak through the arpeggios.

## Fingering

Practice each chord as a block, visualize the harmony before the bow moves.

## Style

Speech-like rhetoric, not metronomic. Bach wants flexible time.

## Techniques

solo, audition, baroque, famous

## Score reference

[IMSLP reference](https://imslp.org/wiki/Cello_Suite_No.1_in_G_major,_BWV_1007_(Bach,_Johann_Sebastian))

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

- [Bach: Cello Suite No. 3, Bourrée I](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/bach-suite-3-bourree), A buoyant dance, the most accessible Bach Suite movement, beloved by beginners and masters alike. Comfortable; Baroque; Bass clef.
- [Vivaldi: Cello Concerto in G minor, I](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/vivaldi-rv416-i), Bright, athletic Baroque concerto opening, drives the cello across all four strings. Intermediate; Baroque; Bass clef.
- [Handel: Sarabande in D minor](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/handel-sarabande), A solemn baroque sarabande, perfect for working on bow distribution and tone. Easy; Baroque; Bass clef.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/bach-suite-1-prelude