Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 10/03/2011, uploaded on 10/03/2011

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

The English Suite in A minor is the second of a series of six English Suites that comprise the first group of Bach’s keyboard suites, written most likely in 1715. These were followed by the French Suites, the Partitas and the Overture in French Style.  The English Suites are not particularly English in nature: while Bach was influenced by both Italian and French music, the same can not be said for English music, and it is likely that the English Suites did not receive their title from him. 

The work is structured in a dance-movement form similar to those found in Bach’s other keyboard suites, as well as in the violin and cello suites.  Beginning with a two-part Prelude in concerto style, it continues with an imitative Allemande – a German dance in 4/4 with serious character, and a Courante – a quick French dance in 3/2.  The following grave Sarabande – a slow Spanish dance in 3, is unusual in that Bach himself notated the ornaments, providing a wonderful example of his own performance style. The easygoing Bourrée is a dance of French origin that Bach used less often than the other dance types in this suite.  Here it is coupled with a second Bourrée in a major key. The Gigue is a French dance, originally modeled after the English jig, and it provides a lively and virtuosic ending to the suite.       Yael Weiss

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.