Sarabande in G major by J. S. Bach played on a two-manual harpsichord

Описание: The G-major suite BWV 816 is one of several written during Bach's employment at Cöthen, named "French" suites by later generations. This piece was one that Bach gave to his new wife, Anna Magdalena Bach, presumably as an instructional text. From the number of copies left by other students, Bach clearly set great store by these seemingly simple pieces.

The origin of the sarabande seems to have been associated with the Spanish colonies in the 16th century. In the beginning it was described as a lively line dance that could excite even the most proper folk to lewd thoughts. Over the course of the 17th century it moderated little by little. By the 18th century it had taken on the gravitas previously possessed by the then-obsolete Pavan. This sarabande is of a piece with the accompanying allemande (   • Allemande in G major by J. S. Bach played ...  ). Both are concerned with graceful melody and well-judged accompaniment.

This instrument, a Hubbard French Double kit, was one of two that had returned to the shop for musical finishing within a few months. Both had been assembled well and each possessed a fine voice that hewed quite close to type – perfect for demonstrating the virtues of the design in recordings. They were a pair that kept me playing longer than my work schedule should have allowed. This recording was made in the Hubbard Shop in Saxonville in September, 2004.

The instrument is tuned in a 1/5th-comma temperament ordinaire. The piece is played throughout on the lower 8'.

Allemande:    • Allemande in G major by J. S. Bach played ...  
Courante:    • Courante in G major by J. S. Bach played o...  
Gavotte:    • Gavotte in G major by J. S. Bach played on...  
Bourrée:    • Bourrée in G major by J. S. Bach played on...  
Loure:    • Loure in G major by J. S. Bach played on a...