JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685-1750)
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068 (ca. 1725; rev. ca. 1729)
Scholars used to believe that Johann Sebastian Bach's four Orchestral Suites (aka "Ouvertures") were likely composed while he was still in the employ of Prince Leopold at the Anhalt-Cöthen court, and later revised and expanded to suit the larger numbers of musicians available to him. But more recent analysis seems to show that the Orchestral Suites were, in fact, composed in Leipzig, specifically for the Collegium Musicum, an association of professional musicians and university students, led by Bach, who gathered to make music at weekly concerts at Zimmermann's Coffee House and Garden. The Third Orchestral Suite features strings, continuo, two oboes, timpani, and three trumpetsâ€”the latter's presence usually signaling a festive occasion in Bach's compositions. As was his practice, a majestic "French Overture" (a substantial multi-part introductory movement) marks the beginning of this nearly symphonic Suite, with a rapid-fire fugue middle section, and a closing that repeats the opening music. The second movement, for strings and continuo alone, is the beautifully expressive Air, one of Bach's most beloved and famous melodies. So famous, in fact, that it was arranged by the German violinist August Wilhelmj (1845-1908) in 1871 under the name Air for the G String. (Pop culture fun fact: its fame, for better or worse, also propelled it into movies like Runaway Bride and Seven.) The remaining sections featured dance rhythms: a pair of ebullient Gavottes; a lively Bourrée; and a concluding Gigue. All in all, this most popular of the Orchestral Suites exudes a sense of occasion, refinement, and joy.