Basically Bach by Rhett Barnwell

This collection is listed on the 2025 AHS National Competition list. For a full list of repertoire option, visit www.harpsociety.org/national-competition 

Arrangements for Lever or Pedal
By Rhett Barnwell

"Basically Bach" is a collection of some of Johann Sebastian Bach's most popular pieces arranged for lever (Celtic) harp. The pieces range in difficulty from advanced beginner through advanced intermediate. Many of these pieces have never before been arranged for the lever harp, and all can be easily adapted for pedal harp as well. Contents include: Arioso, Sheep May Safely Graze, Sleepers Awake, O Sacred Head, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, 2 Menuets, Marche, Sonatina from Cantata 106, Bouree from the 3rd Cello Suite, Prelude from the 1st Cello Suite, and Bist du Bei Mir. Vocal parts are included, with texts in German and/or English for the vocal pieces. Some selections also include a simplified and an advanced version. Notes on the life of Bach, the individual pieces, and the harp in 18th century Germany are included.

Table of Contents:

About Bach 4

Adapting Bach for the Lever Harp 5

About the Music 6

Arioso (simplified version) 7

Arioso (intermediate version) 8

Menuet (G Major) 9

Sheep May Safely Graze 10

Bist du bei mir (simplified for solo harp) 12

Menuet (A Minor) 14

O Sacred Head 15

Sleepers Awake 16

Bouree No.1 18

Marche 20

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (solo harp version) 21

Sinfonia 24

Prelude No.1 (from the "Well-Tempered Clavier") 26

Prelude (from 1st Violoncello Suite) 30

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Harp and Voice) 34

Bist du bei mir (Harp and Voice) 38