Taught by renowned guitarist
Thomas Viloteau
In this course, Thomas Viloteau offers an in-depth look at the Prelude, Fugue, and Allegro in E-flat Major, BWV 998 by Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most important works in the guitar (and lute) repertoire. Viloteau offers a structured approach designed to make this complex piece more accessible and manageable for the practicing guitarist, presenting two different versions of the Prelude - one with a capo and altered tuning to go with the Fugue and Allegro, and one with a more straight-forward approach for those just interested in learning the Prelude as a stand-alone work. Viloteau guides students through essential considerations including fingering choices, musical phrasing, and stylistic interpretation, emphasizing a hands-on and straightforward methodology. He also addresses practical performance decisions, such as the use of a capo and tuning strategies, explaining how these can help accommodate the technical demands of the piece—particularly in adapting a work originally conceived for lute or keyboard—to the modern guitar. With a focus on clarity and musical intention, this course provides valuable insights for developing both technical control and a deeper understanding of Bach’s writing, making it an excellent resource for intermediate to advanced players working on this cornerstone of the repertoire.
I. Prelude (in D major, no Capo required)
Thomas Viloteau offers an approachable introduction to Bach’s Prelude BWV 998. Using a straightforward tuning and no capo, Viloteau guides students through accessible fingerings designed to build confidence while preserving the character and elegance of the piece.
I. Prelude (in Eb, Capo and Detuning required)
Viloteau gives an in-depth look into the Prelude with a focus on making its flowing texture and layered writing feel clear and playable on the guitar. He breaks down key fingering decisions, phrasing ideas, and interpretive choices that help bring structure and direction to the movement. Special attention is given to practical setup considerations, including tuning and capo use, so guitarists can better navigate the demands of Bach’s writing while maintaining clarity, balance, and musical intent.
II. Fugue
In this lesson, Thomas Viloteau explores the Fugue as both a technical and musical challenge, helping guitarists understand how to shape its contrapuntal lines with clarity and control. He addresses the movement’s dense texture through thoughtful fingering strategies, voice leading awareness, and phrasing choices that make the structure more understandable and manageable in practice. Viloteau’s approach helps players organize the complexity of the Fugue while developing a stronger sense of line, balance, and stylistic understanding.
III. Allegro
Thomas Viloteau concludes the course with the Allegro, focusing on the energy, precision, and momentum needed to bring this movement to life. He discusses ways to approach its technical challenges efficiently, with attention to fingering, articulation, and phrasing that support both fluency and musical character. By combining practical problem-solving with stylistic insight, Viloteau helps guitarists build confidence in performing this vibrant and demanding final movement.
French-born guitarist Thomas Viloteau has won awards in numerous international competitions - including GFA, Segovia, and Tarrega - and now teaches at the Peabody Conservatory.
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