Johann Sebastian Bach - English Suites (Wolfgang Rübsam)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

• English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806
• English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807
• English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808
• English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809
• English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810
• English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811

Wolfgang Rübsam, lute-harpsichord

Date: 2024

Label: Brilliant Classics

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There is little “English” about these suites. Their name might have been given as a tribute to Charles Diepart, whose 6 English Suites were very popular at the time. Bach’s English Suites follow the traditional sequence of dance movements of the Suite. The writing is mature and technically demanding. The English Suites, along with the French Suites and Partitas, are part of the standard keyboard repertoire.

Wolfgang Rübsam is internationally known as an authoritative Bach interpreter, from recordings of the organ and harpsichord on several different labels. This new recording is played on a lute-harpsichord, an instrument that Bach would have had at home for both music-making in the family and for teaching. The touch required and the sonority produced is delicate, subtly shaded and closely related in its effect to the music of Bach’s French contemporaries, whose music he knew well, such as François Couperin, Jean-Philippe Rameau and Louis Marchand. The sound is warmer, as it has gut strings and no dampers.

High Resolution 24-bit / 44.1 kHz