Bach: The French Suites, BWV 812-817

Featuring

Angela Hewitt
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach's music, a high percentage of which is dance-related, possesses a marvelous vitality and spirit, making it immediately appealing.

Composer Biography

Bach's creative genius flourished during his time as court organist and later Konzertmeister for Duke Wilhelm Ernst in Weimar (1708-1717).

Composition History

The eighteen Little Preludes were written by Bach for his son Wilhelm Friedemann and other pupils, serving as a bridge between easier pieces and the Two-part Inventions.

Composition History

The name 'French Suites' was not given by Bach, who simply titled them 'Suites pour le clavessin' (Suites for harpsichord); the adjective 'French' appeared twelve years after his death.

Compositional Technique

The Sonata in D minor, BWV964, is Bach's own transcription of his solo Violin Sonata in A minor, BWV1003, adapted for keyboard.

Composition History

The six French Suites, containing some of Bach's most attractive keyboard writing, arrange contrasting dances all in the same key.

Performer Biography

Angela Hewitt, the pianist on this recording, has been hailed as 'the preeminent Bach pianist of our time' since her triumph in the 1985 Toronto International Bach Piano Competition.