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Composer: Bach, Johann Sebastian

English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808 (arr. D. Cerovic and G. Krivokapic for 2 guitars)

Montenegrin Guitar Duo

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Year of Production: 2014

Playing Time: 00:19:03

Catalogue Number: NVF0158

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Bach's keyboard works known as the English Suites offer a series of dance movements which, despite their name, owe more to earlier French and German models. Transcriptions of Bach for solo guitar have been popular since the nineteenth century and the emergence of the guitar duo extends still further the potential for exciting and revelatory performances.

English Suite No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808, is possibly the most popular suite of the set. The Prelude contrasts chordal accompaniments against brilliant semiquavers in a manner reminiscent of Vivaldi's concerto grosso. The Allemande differs from the previous suites in that the opening theme is in the bass. The fluent beauty of the particular composition makes this an example (if ever one was needed!), of the ideal allemande.

The Courante presents complex rhythmic patterns as Bach subtly advances the form, moulding the structure into a sonorous contrapuntal labyrinth. The Sarabande also is a magnificent vision of the possibilities of this dance taken to its most refined level. As with the previous suite, Bach has written out a more elaborately ornamented version as well as providing a (comparatively) simplified offering.

Gavotte I is contrasted against a Gavotte subtitled Musette, intended to be imitative of an instrument similar to the bagpipe. The Gigue takes us into the structure of a true fugue in a magnificent climax to one of the greatest examples of the suite form.