CCCLXXXVIII. BACH, J.S.: English Suite #1 in A Major, BWV 806

CCCLXXXVIII. BACH, J.S. (1685-1750)

English Suite #1 in A Major, BWV 806 (1713-14)
1. Prélude
2. Allemande
3. Courante I
4. Courante II
5. Double I
6. Double II
7. Sarabande
8. Bourrée I
9. Bourrée II
10. Gigue
Aline Zylberajch, harpsichord
(28:20)

There is nothing particularly English about the six suites, BWV 806-811; nor is there much to distinguish them from the French Suites, BWV 812-817 -- and to make things even a little more confusing, they both use the traditional dance format from both the French and Italian conventions ...

One possible explanation for the appellation is that Bach intended them to be a tribute to Charles Dieupart, a French musician who spent most of his time in England.

Prélude

Allemande

Courante I

Courante II

Double I

What is a Double?

Double II

Sarabande

Bourrée I

Bourrée II

Gigue