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Johann Sebastian Bach

Orchestral Suite No. 2 in b minor Play Play

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Recorded on 06/05/2008, uploaded on 10/10/2010

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Orchestral Suite No. 2 in b minor, BWV 1067 Johann Sebastian Bach

Ouverture, Rondeau, Sarabande, Bourrée I Bourrée II, Popnoaise, Double, Badinerie

Johann Sebastian Bach was deeply influenced by Vivaldi's superb sense of musical development. During his years in Weimar, Bach was able to become acquainted with the works of "modern" Italian composers in the Duke of Weimar's library—the motoric rhythms and wonderful forward drive of the fast movements in Bach are a direct result of Vivaldi's influence. Nevertheless, the Suite in B Minor heard this evening reflects more the traditions of the French court—the work begins with a magnificent ouverture (a composition with a stately section to begin, followed by a quick section in fugal style) and is followed by a series of court dances. This suite, however, reflects the hybridization of styles in which Bach excelled: The French dance suite has been partially Italianized by the use of the concerto principle (solo flute) and the quick section of the ouverture is much more Italian in its orientation than French, as is the final movement, labelled "badinerie," or a jest. David Schrader