The harpsichord used for this recording was made by Joel Katzman in Haarlem in 2015, modeled after an undated Joseph Johannes Couchet instrument.
Composition History
These 'little' suites were likely created by J.S. Bach for educational purposes within his family, as they lack the structured planning of his other suite collections.
Interpretation
Richard Egarr, the performer on this album, often prefers Bach's earlier musical ideas, finding them more 'angular, raw and muscular' than later, more embellished versions.
Interpretation
Due to many variant readings in manuscripts, performers of Bach's French Suites must make choices regarding notes, articulation, ornaments, and even the number of movements.
Performer Biography
Richard Egarr, the harpsichordist, is known for directing from the keyboard, conducting, and performing concertos on various instruments including organ, harpsichord, fortepiano, and modern piano.
Compositional Technique
Bach was an 'inveterate tinkerer,' as evidenced by multiple versions of movements like the Courante from the C minor suite, where he couldn't decide on the closing bars.
Historical Context
The titles 'French Suites' and 'English Suites' for Bach's keyboard works were applied in the 19th century, long after their composition, with no musical justification.
