Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prelude - J.S. Bach

I first heard this piece for solo cello the other day whilst watching the film 'If I Stay' and thought that it was absolutely beautiful!!

Here is the link that I used (Spotify): János Starker – Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prélude
The score that I used can be found on IMSLP.

Analysis:

This piece is an exploration of arpeggio chords around the tonic note. The image below is of the first 3 bars of the piece. As you can see from the image below, the piece has a key signature of G major, and is written in 4/4 time. I also think that there is the use of alberti bass (as highlighted) on the piece. This is when the notes are played as: 'low-high-mid-high'.

The first measure outlines a G major chord.  However, he immediately goes to outlining a C (G) major chord then a D dominant seventh chord, followed by a G major chord again. Also, he used a G pedal tone through these first four measures.  This helps to establish the tonality to center around G and show the musicians as well as audience that this piece is in this key.

Bach chose to create an effect where through the use of pedal tones, and implied accents, he is able to use only notes he wants as the melody while the notes surrounding create the harmony.