Bach: English Suites Nos. 1, 3 & 6

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Murray Perahia (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Murray Perahia
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (March 31, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000062DF
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,937 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. English Suite, for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 (BC L13): 1. Prélude

2. English Suite, for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 (BC L13): 2. Allemande

3. English Suite, for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 (BC L13): 3. Courante I

4. English Suite, for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 (BC L13): 4. Courante II avec deux Doubles

5. English Suite, for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 (BC L13): 5. Sarabande

6. English Suite, for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 (BC L13): 6. Bourrée I

7. English Suite, for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 (BC L13): 7. Bourrée II

8. English Suite, for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 (BC L13): 8. Gigue

9. English Suite, for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 (BC L15): 1. Prélude

10. English Suite, for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 (BC L15): 2. Allemande

11. English Suite, for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 (BC L15): 3. Courante

12. English Suite, for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 (BC L15): 4. Sarabande

13. English Suite, for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 (BC L15): 5. Gavotte I

14. English Suite, for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 (BC L15): 6. Gavotte II (ou la Musette)

15. English Suite, for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 (BC L15): 7. Gigue

16. English Suite, for keyboard No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811 (BC L18): 1. Prélude

17. English Suite, for keyboard No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811 (BC L18): 2. Allemande

18. English Suite, for keyboard No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811 (BC L18): 3. Courante

19. English Suite, for keyboard No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811 (BC L18): 4. Sarabande... 4a. Double

20. English Suite, for keyboard No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811 (BC L18): 5. Gavotte I

See all 22 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent Bach on a Modern Piano!, March 2, 2000

By 

Russel E. Higgins - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bach: English Suites Nos. 1, 3 & 6 (Audio CD)

I would urge any music lover with a perceptive interest in Bach's keyboard music to buy the two CD's of the English Suites by Murray Perahia. It is difficult to conceive how these suites can be played any more beautifully and sensitively. I am one of those who believes that Bach sounds wonderful on a modern piano, and have collected recordings by Gould, Horszowki, Schiff, and Richter. Each of these magnificent pianists bring a special magical quality to the music. Murray Perahia's interpretation of the English Suites, however, is even more magical to me than any others. His tempos and rhythms are perfect for the music. Technically, he is capable of playing the most complex figurations with grace and style. (Listen to his amazing trills which are relaxed and perfectly realized.) Most importantly, his playing contains a profound human quality that transcends all the technical difficulties of the music. Like all great artists, he makes the most difficult figuarations appear to be easy and graceful to play. I urge any lover of Bach music to buy this CD as soon as possible. I am certain you will want to buy the second volume (English Suites #2, #4, and #5), and also his magnificent Handel-Scarlatti album. Then do as I did --- buy Murray Perahia's new "Songs without Words" album and listen to the magic he works with Bach's chorale-preludes, and with Mendelssohn and Schubert, all in magnificent sound from Sony. I'm certain these recordings will brighten up your days!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bach would probably approve, May 25, 2003

By 

"kiwimuzo" (Auckland, New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bach: English Suites Nos. 1, 3 & 6 (Audio CD)

As a singer, I'm naturally a big fan of Bach - his sense of phrase and natural melodic line is unmatched by any other Baroque composer. Having purchased Murray Perahia's complete recordings of Mozart piano concerti, I knew what he was capable of, and bought this recording (for about $US4 in a bargain bin!) on spec. I was not disappointed! Perahia gets to the heart of the matter - none of this 'make-the-piano-sound-as-much-as-possible-like-a-harpsichord' rubbish - he relies on musicianship and beauty, so that each of the dances moves freely and display the intent of character. Doubtless Bach would have appreciated that more than the instrument, anyway!

My favourite would have to be track 16 (the Prelude from Suite No.6), which displays all Bach's subtle nuances of sequence, imitation and 'canonic interference' - including the wonderful 'triple endings' that keep you guessing.

Do get this - I fully intend to buy the matching album with the other suites, as this one is starting to wear out!

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Recording!, February 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bach: English Suites Nos. 1, 3 & 6 (Audio CD)

Perahia really amazed me with his ability to incorporate and mingle energy with delicacy into Bach. His performance is precise yet poetic, creating an overall refreshing, clear, and refined atmosphere.