Max Derrickson

Overture to Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major, BWV 1069

Johann Sebastian Bach
(Born in Eisenach, Germany in 1685; died in Leipzig, Germany in 1750)

Musicologists presume that Bach created his four Orchestral Suites during his days as Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold of Cöthen (1717-1723).  The only surviving copies of them, however, date to 1729, when Bach assumed directorship of the Collegium musicum of Leipzig, [. . .]    during which dozens of Bach’s secular (and sacred-turned-secular) compositions reappeared, many of his great works might have slipped into the abyss.

Bach’s Orchestral Suites emulated the French Overtures that emerged around the turn of the 18^th Century in the courts of Louis XIV and which became tremendously popular in Europe.  An Overture was a suite of between four and eight (sometimes more) dances used as part of French opera performances.  These suites would begin [. . .] in particular, has charmed audiences for nearly three Centuries.

The opening theme in this Overture to Suite No. 4 is stately, using dotted rhythms as well as timpani and trumpets for regality and jubilation.  Of the four Suites, No. 4 is the only one [. . .] with the feeling of having heard musical purity.