JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685–1750)
ORCHESTRAL SUITES NOS. 1–4
Transcribed for piano duet by Eleonor Bindman
Eleonor Bindman • Susan Sobolewski
‘The Orchestral Suites for piano-4-hands transcription and recording became an obvious next project after the worldwide success of the 2018 Brandenburg Duets release. Bach wrote only two sets of secular orchestral works so I knew that an arrangement of the Orchestral Suites would have to follow the Brandenburgs. These four Suites contain wonderful and complex Ouvertures followed by a total of 20 beautiful dances, displaying a kaleidoscope of Bach’s skill, wit and joy. The popular Air from Suite 3 has a more contemplative quality with the theme transposed an octave lower; and the beloved Badinerie from Suite 2 sparkles with added embellishments and echoes. Lesser-known jewels will be discovered by hearing this arrangement, such as the lovely Rondeau and Sarabande from Suite 2 and the exuberantly syncopated Réjouissance from Suite 4. This cycle will provide countless hours of enjoyment for pianists who love Bach and will be excited about this new, relatively easy repertoire.’ – Eleonor Bindman
