Archive for February, 2007

Here’s a 5-string banjo version of (more or less) Bach’s Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme – Sleepers Awake! (BWV 140).  The whole cantata is available for free download at the Wikipedia link above (this is from the 4th movement).

I’ve been poking around at this for a while, but nobody else in the family likes hearing me practice.  So, this is from sneaking picking time.  It’s not a full rendition, but the two major themes are there.  And I don’t know why, but the microphone makes me nervous, and all that. Here it is.  Next on my list is Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

Sleepers Awake! (MP3)

The “Gregorian Chant” CD, from the Monks Of The Abbey Of Notre Dame, is one of my constant companions. Kyrie Eleison is the most memorable piece. Very pretty.

This is a minimalist banjo version, with just a cheap mic hooked up to the computer.  So the sound quality isn’t great — just imagine it’s an old Folkways recording.

Kyrie Eleison (MP3)