Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach
Orchestra Suites No. 1-4
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Bach
Abstract
Bach
Often arranged, kitsched up and performed on all sorts of occasions, Johann Sebastian Bach's Air is today one of the best-known pieces of music in the classical canon. Originally, this short, song-like movement is in Bach's Third Orchestral Suite, which - like each of the four suites - begins with an extensive overture, followed by a series of dance and character movements.
The «German» music of Bach's time was characterised by numerous influences from surrounding countries; the dance movements of the suites have their origins in France (Bourrée), England (Gigue), Italy (Forlane), Spain (Sarabande) or Poland (Polonaise), for example. Bach probably performed these orchestral suites, which are as representative as they are entertaining, not only at court but also in public. At the beginning of the new season, the Orchestra La Scintilla will perform all four suites, including the famous Air, unedited and on period instruments.