Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach's "English Suites," a masterful collection of six suites for the keyboard, each a journey through the baroque dance forms of the early 18th century. Released in 2020 under the Warner Music Group and X5 Music Group labels, this album spans a generous 1 hour and 36 minutes, offering a comprehensive exploration of Bach's early keyboard works.
The "English Suites" are a testament to Bach's virtuosity and compositional prowess, featuring a diverse range of dances such as the Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, and Gigue, interspersed with preludes that set the tone for each suite. The suites are composed in different keys, from the bright and majestic A Major of the first suite to the introspective and somber D Minor of the sixth, providing a rich tapestry of musical expression.
This album is not just a collection of pieces but a cohesive journey through the stylistic and technical brilliance of Bach's keyboard writing. Each suite is a self-contained world, yet together they form a harmonious whole, showcasing the composer's ability to blend structural precision with profound emotional depth. The different styles and moods are held together by a sense of balance and proportion, making each suite a satisfying and complete listening experience.
The "English Suites" are known for their virtuosic passages, rhythmic appeal, and occasional moments of profound beauty. They are a fine representation of Bach's earliest major keyboard works and have been praised for their technical demands and expressive richness. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's music, this album offers a rewarding and engaging exploration of one of the greatest composers in history.
2020 Warner Music Group - X5 Music Group2020 Warner Music Group - X5 Music Group
Tracks
English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: III-VI. Courante I et II avec deux doublesJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: VII. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: VIII. Bourrée I et IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: IX. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: III. CouranteJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: IV -V. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: VI-VII. Bourrée I et IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: VIII. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: III. CouranteJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: V-VI. Gavotte I (alternativement) et Gavotte II (ou La Musette)Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: VII. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: III. CouranteJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: V-VI. Menuett I et IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: VII. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: III. CouranteJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: V-VI. Passepied I (en Rondeau) et IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: VII. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: III. CouranteJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: V-VII. Gavotte I et IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: VIII. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt