Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into Bach's Chaconne, to clarify the increasingly important role of arrangements in the harp repertoire, and to discuss performance aspects of Dewey Owens' harp arrangement of the Chaconne. Included in this is a history of the chaconne as a genre, the history of harp arranging, the need for Baroque arrangements for the harp, use of Baroque arrangements in major competitions, and performance aspects specific to the harp, such as wide leaps, resonance issues, effects, and registration. The paper will be divided into sections discussing the analysis of the Chaconne, a history of arrangements for the harp tracing the recent increase in importance and quality of Baroque works, and an analysis and performance guide of Dewey Owens's harp arrangement of the Chaconne. This marriage of theory and performance is something rarely seen in scholarly works; moreover, this will be useful to both fields and raise standards for what is expected of a performer.