J.S. Bach Chaconne BWV 903 transcribed and edited for lever harp by Anne-Marie O'Farrell

The reservoir of baroque keyboard music is a rich resource for lever harpists seeking suitable material for transcription. There are several reasons for this: the clear sound of the lever harp is suitable for this repertoire because of the lighter stringing than on the pedal harp; the compass of the keyboard coincides with standard lever harp range, without need for specialist models of harp; and modulations often occur in just one register, making it easier to plan precisely when the necessary lever changes will take place. Furthermore, there is a great need for substantial recital repertoire on this type of harp.
Transcribing J.S. Bach’s Chromatic Fantasy BWV 903 for lever harp was a particularly attractive prospect not only because its colourful harmonic language is extremely rare in lever harp repertoire, but also because the textures, scale and arpeggio patterns are so idiomatic for the harp, even if such dense chromaticism is foreign to the instrument.
This paper documents the process of creating the transcription, outlining the solutions found to issues which arose. For example, the extreme chromaticism in the piece requires extensive levering, including multiple simultaneous changes with both hands. Photographs illustrate pioneering levering techniques devised by the author, which make repertoire of this kind possible. Modulations to remote keys require enharmonic substitution shown in score excerpts, and adjustments to customary arpeggiation are explained in the instrumental context of the lever harp. Conceptual questions of notation and its conventions specific to the lever harp are examined in the context of creating a critical edition which is both easy to follow and contains all necessary detail.
The article demonstrates a methodology for the transcription of highly chromatic music to the lever harp, thus enhancing the possibility of expansion of its repertoire across the lever harp community.
The author’s performance of the piece can be viewed here.