Johann Nikolaus Forkel, Bach's biographer, noted that the Gigue from the Sixth English Suite initially sounds harsh but becomes increasingly beautiful with repeated listening and playing.
Composition History
The title 'English Suites' comes from a note 'fait pour les Anglois' in J. Chr. Bach's copy, though its meaning remains unclear.
Compositional Technique
Most of Bach's English Suites begin with a large-scale polyphonic Prélude in the Italian concerto grosso style, followed by dances in the French manner.
Performer Biography
Gustav Leonhardt (1928-2012), an eminent harpsichordist and early music specialist, created a G minor arrangement of Bach's second Violin Partita (BWV 1004) for harpsichord.
Composer Biography
J.S. Bach's six English Suites were composed around 1715 during his time at the court in Weimar (1708-1717).
Composition History
Bach's Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-flat major (BWV 998) was originally conceived for 'lute or harpsichord', with the lute being Bach's primary choice.
Compositional Technique
The Gigue from Bach's Sixth English Suite features frequent organ points sustained by long trills, which are considered precursors to the 'Beethoven trill'.
