This is an arrangement of the Courante, the third movement from Cello Suite No. 1 by J.S. Bach, arranged for 15/14 hammered dulcimer.. The Courante is a fast-paced dance in a triple meter, a lively courtship dance. This movement has frequent shifts between eight and sixteenth note passages, adding to the frivolity of the dance.

There are two short departures from the original score to fit the 15/14 range. The second beat of measure 30 started with a low C3. I changed it here to the note G4 to fit in with the surrounding passage. Measure 35 also starts with a C3. To keep the contour of the melody, I raised both that and the preceding G3 up an octave. The entire range of this movement is D3 to F#5.

You will need the D#/Eb at the top of the bass bridge for this movement. You likely will be able to tune the top note up to the desired pitch, though you may need to switch to a lighter string gauge.

Included are two versions of this movement from Bach’s Cello Suite #1 in G Major. One is a blank copy of the music, arranged for the 15/14 hammered dulcimer, allowing you to make any notations or marks that you find helpful. The second version is the transcription of how I have chosen to play the movement. A description of the notation system I use is included.