Bach: Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009, Bourrée I & II

During his years in the employment of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen, Bach composed many important secular works including the Brandenburg Concerti, two Violin Concerti, Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, and his Six Suites for Solo Cello. The Third Suite in C major begins with a simple C major scale, triumphanat and joyous, setting a positive character for the entire suite. The following movements adhere to the traditional form of a dance suite, alternating slow and fast movements derived from dances originating in different countries. Bourées I and II (French court dance) are paired together as was the tradition, an extravoert Bourée #1 in C Major followed by a more lyrical and personal Bourée #2 in C minor.