Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Practice with Bach Volume 5: 24 etudes based upon the Six English Suites (BWV 806-811)

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Tenor trombone

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2021
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Etude book. 28 pages.

Primary Genre: Study Material - etude

J. S. Bach’s earliest set of keyboard suites are referred to as the “English Suites.” Two other sets include the six French Suites and six Partitas. The original score of the English Suites has not been located, however over thirty copies of the suites survive indicating the collection’s popularity at the time and the suites were also “used by Bach and others as a part of a course of instruction in keyboard playing as well as composition.” (Peter Watchorn, A Performer's Guide to the English Suites of J. S. Bach, BWV 806-11, 1995) The six English Suites consist of a collection of dances in a particular key, each suite opening with a lengthy prelude followed by a number of dance movements. The number of movements vary between seven and nine.

Sauer’s publication is the fifth installment of his “Practice with Bach” series. Four dance movements from each suite were selected as inspiration for the etudes, the melody of which provides source material. The dance movements for etudes generally include the Allemande, Courante, and Gigue with a few Bourrée and Sarabande movements peppered about the collection. Sauer’s tempo suggestions are limited to two options: “moderate” providing latitude from moderate to fast, and “lento” implying a slower pulse. The exclusion of dance titles may be intentional to encourage the individual to come to personal conclusions for tempo, but the indication of dance might also guide intended musical affect. Sauer indicates the etudes are not intended for public performance. They are technically challenging, musically satisfying, and well-worth the expended effort in practice for one's personal edification. The notation is almost exclusively in tenor clef and the pitch range is fairly wide, often encompassing passages in the upper register, F-c².  Use of the etudes should prove effective in maintaining one’s upper register playing and musical technique. The notation is well-done with attention to detail, easily readable. Highly recommended.