The rhythms of the dance have always provided composers with a vital source of inspiration. Bach was no exception, and a very high percentage of his music is related to the dance. Perhaps this is largely what gives it that marvellous vitality and spirit, and why it is so immediately appealing. The six French Suites contain some of Bach’s most attractive keyboard writing. The eight Little Preludes are among the most valuable pieces ever written for beginners, giving a wonderful introduction to voice imitation, pedal points, cadenza-like passages, and basic ornamentation. They cover many different moods and recall fond childhood memories. The remaining pieces on this recording are of a completely different nature. Both the Sonata in D minor, BWV964, and the Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV894, are virtuoso pieces, intended to show off the ability of the performer. Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt is the acknowledged master of Bach on the piano.

CD1
Sonata in D minor BWV964 (18’22)
1 Adagio (3’17)
2 Fuga: Allegro (6’03)
3 Andante (4’02)
4 Allegro (5’00)

French Suite No 1 in D minor BWV812 (15’15)
5 Allemande (3’08)
6 Courante (2’14)
7 Sarabande (3’51)
8 Menuet I and II (3’08)
9 Gigue (2’54)

French Suite No 2 in C minor BWV813 (15’58)
10 Allemande (2’53)
11 Courante (2’00)
12 Sarabande (3’38)
13 Air (1’19)
14 Menuet I and II (3’36)
15 Gigue (2’32)

French Suite No 3 in B minor BWV814 (15’45)
16 Allemande (2’56)
17 Courante (2’25)
18 Sarabande (3’18)
19 Anglaise (1’29)
20 Menuet and Trio (3’39)
21 Gigue (1’58)
22 Prelude in C major BWV924 (0’59)
23 Prelude in G minor BWV930 (2’12)
24 Prelude in D major BWV925 (0’58)
25 Prelude in D minor BWV926 (1’10)
26 Prelude in F major BWV927 (0’30)
27 Prelude in F major BWV928 (1’20)

CD2
28 Prelude in C major BWV933 (1’36)
29 Prelude in C minor BWV934 (2’09)
30 Prelude in D minor BWV935 (1’31)
31 Prelude in D major BWV936 (2’11)
32 Prelude in E major BWV937 (1’31)
33 Prelude in E minor BWV938 (1’43)
34 Prelude in C major BWV939 (0’37)
35 Prelude in D minor BWV940 (0’54)
36 Prelude in E minor BWV941 (0’42)
37 Prelude in A minor BWV942 (0’38)
38 Prelude in C major BWV943 (1’39)
39 Prelude in C minor BWV999 (1’26)

French Suite No 4 in E flat major BWV815 (17’42)
40 Praeludium (1’23)
41 Allemande (2’39)
42 Courante (1’51)
43 Sarabande (2’53)
44 Gavotte I (1’16)
45 Gavotte II (2’42)
46 Menuet (1’02)
47 Air (1’44)
48 Gigue (2’12)

French Suite No 5 in G major BWV816 (17’46)
49 Allemande (2’51)
50 Courante (1’37)
51 Sarabande (5’11)
52 Gavotte (1’13)
53 Bourrée (1’17)
54 Loure (2’08)
55 Gigue (3’29)

French Suite No 6 in E major BWV817 (15’13)
56 Allemande (2’34)
57 Courante (1’33)
58 Sarabande (3’24)
59 Gavotte (1’13)
60 Polonaise (1’27)
61 Bourrée (1’20)
62 Menuet (1’28)
63 Gigue (2’14)

Prelude and Fugue in A minor BWV894 (9’37)
64 Prelude (5’28)
65 Fugue (4’09)