Sydney lute student Oskar de Mari-Jones plays the prelude from Bach's Partita BWV 1006a. Apologies for the poor sound quality - most of the nuance and dynamics are poorly represented. Perhaps a better quality video to follow?

The partita exists in a doube-stave score in Bach's hand, with a title page in another hand. The score and key of E major suggest a keyboard piece, but the simplicity of the texture and bass line suggest a lute piece or at least a keyboard piece in imitation of the lute. The mere fact that it works well on lute however, would have been enough for an 18th century lutenist (as we can see from bwv 997, 1000). My transcription definitely favors a natural sonority and ease of play over absolute fidelity to the score - as did 18th century lutenists when they transcribed Bach's works (see 995, 997, 1000). That said, when playing on the lute, one can at least get all the notes, which is a joy after reading this piece for so long on guitar. When Approaching the dance movements however, I try to keep to Bach's original voicing (which is very light, close-textured, and avoids low basses - these are characteristics of French Lute music and in my opinion this is no coincidence).
Comments welcome. (less info)