The Academy of Ancient Music, “the finest period-instrument orchestra in the world” (Classic FM UK), presents a stunning new recording of one of the most iconic baroque works: JS Bach’s Orchestral Suites.

The origins of the Orchestral Suites can be traced to Leipzig, where Bach served as music director of the Collegium Musicum from 1729 until the early 1740s. Each Suite begins with an Overture, a tradition dating back to the ballet suites of 17th century French opera; but then they each follow their own pattern, creating a unique spectrum of traditional dance forms and modern gallantry movements.Performed with single strings and at a low, “French” pitch, this recording offers a unique, chamber-like interpretation of Bach’s virtuosic Suites, featuring some of the finest baroque players of our generation.The Air on a G string for violin from Suite No.3 and the Badinerie for flute from Suite No.2 are two of the best-loved and most famous musical moments of all time. But there are treasures to be found throughout the Orchestral Suites, making this a recording that will be revisited time and time again.Track Listing:

CD 1:

Suite No. 1 in C major, BWV 1066

1. Ouverture

2. Courante

3. Gavotte I & II

4. Forlane

5. Menuet I & II

6. Bourée I & II

7. Passepied I & II

Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067

8. Ouverture

9. Rondeau

10. Sarabande

11. Bourée I & II

12. Polonaise & Double

13. Menuet

14. Badinerie

CD 2:

Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068

1. Ouverture

2. Air

3. Gavotte I & II

4. Bourée

5. Gigue

Suite No. 4 in D major, BWV 1069

6. Ouverture

7. Bourée I & II

8. Gavotte

9. Menuet I & II

10. Réjouissance