Name: Bach: English Suites Nos. 1-6, BWV 806-811 by Murray Perahia
Brand: Murray Perahia
SKU: 886973105023
Price: 9.9 USD
Availability: OnlineOnly
Rating: 3 (301 reviews)

ALBUM

Volume 1

Volume 2

During the 1720s, Bach grouped his harpsichord suites into two sets of six each and assembled a third, that was newly composed. These compositions have survived as the English Suites, French Suites and Partitas. Only the Partitas were published in Bach's lifetime. The English Suites are the earliest of these keyboard works and three of them are the focus of this recording by pianist Murray Perahia.

There is nothing especially "English" about these works and their misleading title is one that was never known by Bach. Dubious titles notwithstanding, the works are marvels of invention that marry intellectually challenging contrapuntal lines to sublime melodies. Perahia wisely says the suites are "heart and mind connected."

Perahia dazzles in this music. He excels in the twisting contrapuntal complexities of each suite: particularly the Prelude of the Second Suite and the Gigue of the Fourth. Perahia also revels in the melodic splendor of the elegiac slower movements, his playing of the Allemande of the Fifth Suite a high point of the disc. Perahia's Bach is yet another jewel in the crown of this wonderful pianist.

Bach: English Suites Nos. 1-6, BWV 806-811

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Volume 1

Volume 2

Volume 1

1. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: I. Prélude

2. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: II. Allemande

3. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: III. Courante I

4. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: IV. Courante II - Double I - Double II

5. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: V. Sarabande

6. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: VI. Bourrée I

7. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: VII. Bourrée II

8. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: VIII. Gigue

9. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: I. Prélude

10. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: II. Allemande

11. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: III. Courante

12. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: IV. Sarabande

13. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: V. Bourrée I

14. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: VI. Bourrée II

15. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: VII. Gigue

16. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: I. Prélude

17. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: II. Allemande

18. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: III. Courante

19. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: IV. Sarabande

20. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: V. Gavotte I

21. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: VI. Gavotte II (Musette)

22. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: VII. Gigue

Volume 2

1. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: I. Prélude

2. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: II. Allemande

3. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: III. Courante

4. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: IV. Sarabande

5. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: V. Menuet I

6. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: VI. Menuett II

7. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: VII. Gigue

8. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: I. Prélude

9. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: II. Allemande

10. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: III. Courante

11. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: IV. Sarabande

12. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: V. Passepied I

13. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: VI. Passepied II

14. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: VII. Gigue

15. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: I. Prélude

16. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: II. Allemande

17. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: III. Courante

18. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: IV. Sarabande - Double

19. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: V. Gavotte I

20. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: VI. Gavotte II

21. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: VII. Gigue

Technical Specifications