transcribing organ music for piano

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

I have played the music of Bach (and other composers) on the piano for many years. I have played several movements from one of the French Suites, and several inventions (2 and 3 part). I am currently working on the Three Part Invention No 2, which is almost finished, and sounding pretty good.

Anyway, I am interested in trying my hand at a transcription of one of the Schübler Chorales (Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 649.). I like this one a great deal, and looking at the music, it seems relatively simple. Integrating the voice carried in the pedal will be challenging, and in some cases, it seems likely that some of it will have to be omitted.

I do not know a great deal of music theory, or harmony, but I do know and play all the major and minor scales, arpeggios, cadences, triads, etc. regularly. So, I was wondering whether anyone has tried such a project, has any advice, or perhaps thinks I am in way over my head.

[mc ukrneal]

I have played the music of Bach (and other composers) on the piano for many years. I have played several movements from one of the French Suites, and several inventions (2 and 3 part). I am currently working on the Three Part Invention No 2, which is almost finished, and sounding pretty good.

Anyway, I am interested in trying my hand at a transcription of one of the Schübler Chorales (Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 649.). I like this one a great deal, and looking at the music, it seems relatively simple. Integrating the voice carried in the pedal will be challenging, and in some cases, it seems likely that some of it will have to be omitted.

I do not know a great deal of music theory, or harmony, but I do know and play all the major and minor scales, arpeggios, cadences, triads, etc. regularly. So, I was wondering whether anyone has tried such a project, has any advice, or perhaps thinks I am in way over my head.

I say go for it. You will learn a lot along the way I think.

[petrarch]

Go for it; it is a great learning experience. It would be useful to have a grounding in Harmony, so that when it comes to eliminating or transposing some of the notes you wouldn't accidentally impair the harmony and harmonic movement. But you can give it a try by ear and see where it leads...