jan 1, 1722 - French Suites BWV 812-17
Description:
Bach’s Suites1. Bach learned French style through publications.
2. His position at Cöthen did not require him to write (or play) elaborate church music.
3. For almost six years, Bach wrote mostly instrumental music, including concertos,
sonatas, and suites.
a. He wrote for a variety of groups and soloists, including the unaccompaniedsuites for violin and cello.
b. Most of suites are organized into groups of six, including the six English Suites and six French Suites, for keyboard.
c. The French Suite in G major contains elements that demonstrate some of the
aesthetic contradictions of eighteenth-century style.
Agréments” and “Doubles”: The Art of Ornamentation
1. The gigue in the French Suite in G major is closer to Bach’s traditional style since it
begins with a fugal exposition.
2. The French style of keyboard suites can be clearly demonstrated in the works of François Couperin.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1722
Now
~ 303 years ago