French Suites (Bach)

The French Suites, BWV 812-817, are a set of six suites for keyboard (harpsichord or clavichord), composed by Johann Sebastian Bach sometime between 1722 and 1725. Although known as the "French Suites," the origin of the name remains uncertain. They are not overtly French in style compared to other contemporary French keyboard music, and the name was not given to them by Bach himself. One theory suggests the name derives from their dedication to an unknown French individual, while another attributes it to their simpler style compared to Bach's English Suites.

Each suite follows the standard baroque suite structure, typically beginning with an Allemande, followed by a Courante, Sarabande, and Gigue. Between the Sarabande and Gigue, optional movements, known as galanteries, are often included. These galanteries vary between the suites and commonly include a Minuet, Gavotte, or Anglaise.

The suites are considered to be more accessible and lighter in character than Bach's English Suites or Partitas. They are often studied by intermediate to advanced keyboard students due to their melodic clarity and relatively moderate technical demands, providing an excellent introduction to Bach's compositional style and baroque dance forms.

The movements within each suite are in the same key, providing a sense of unity and coherence throughout the entire work. The keys of the suites are, in order: D minor, C minor, B minor, E-flat major, G major, and E major.

The French Suites are staples of the keyboard repertoire and continue to be widely performed and recorded. Their enduring popularity stems from their elegant melodies, harmonic richness, and the masterful way in which Bach utilizes the conventions of the baroque dance suite.