J.s. Bach: French Suites Nos. 1-4

Beier, Paul

J.S.Bach's tenure as Kapellmeister to Prince Leopold at Cöthen (1717-1722) was particulary rich in works for solo instruments - the sonatas and partitas for solo violin and suites for solo violoncello derive from this period, as well as numerous keyboard works. It was also a period for sadness at the death of his first wife, Maria Barbara, in 1720, and happiness at his marriage to Anna Magdalena in 1721. For this event, Bach compiled a little notebook of harpsichord music as a wedding gift, and amongst the pieces found there are the four suits recorded here. Many years after Bach's death, Friedrich Wilhelm Marpung added two suites from a later notebook to from what he called the six 'French Suites', but the music is not, in fact, particulary in the French style, and this designation was never intended the composer. Paul Beier graduated from the Royal College of Music, London under Diana Poulton. He has performed in Europe, North and South America and Australia as soloist, director of Galatea, member of various groups and as continuo player in orchestral and opera productions. His solo lute repertoire extends from the Italian Cinquecento to the music of Bach and Weiss. Founder and director of Galatea, he has also collaborated with Aglaia, Aurora, La Cetra, Ensemble Concerto, Nova Ars Cantandi, Pacific Baroque, La Risonanza, etc.

Price: $25.98