Alexandra Papastefanou, the performer on this album, has performed all of Bach's keyboard works and has published books on the aesthetics and performance of Bach's music.
Compositional Technique
Unlike the French Suites, all English Suites begin with a Prélude, which are thoroughly composed pieces, often in the style of a concerto with contrasting sections.
Recording & Production
This recording of Bach's English Suites was made at the Alternative Stage of the Greek National Opera in Athens, Greece, in May 2024.
Composition History
The complete score of the English Suites was not published until 1830, partly due to the lack of a manuscript in Bach's own hand.
Composition History
The title 'English' for these suites first appeared in Johann Nikolaus Forkel's book on Bach's life and works in 1802, based on information from Bach's sons that they were composed for an 'Englishman of rank'.
Composition History
Bach's English Suites were composed between 1716 and 1723, around the same time as his French Suites, but unlike his Partitas, they were not published during his lifetime.
Compositional Technique
The English Suites follow a regular pattern of movements: Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, a pair of dances, and a Gigue.
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