Approximate performance time is five minutes. The original manuscripts of Bach’s Four Orchestral Suites have disappeared, so the exact time of their composition is not certain. It appears likely, however, that all or most of the Orchestral Suites belong to Bach’s Cöthen period, although there remains the possibility that Bach may have composed a few of these works during the early years of his subsequent tenure in Leipzig.

The Orchestral Suite, an extremely popular form of instrumental ensemble music in the 17th and 18 th centuries, consists of an Overture followed by several dance movements. Because of the preeminence of the introductory movement, the entire works were known as Overtures (French: Ouverture). 19th-Century scholars later applied the term Suite to the multi-movement Overture.

Overtures were intended to showcase the talents of the instrumentalists, and Bach certainly allows for moments of thrilling display. The Third Orchestral Suite features oboes, trumpets, and timpani in a generally festive piece. However, as with virtually of all of Bach’s works, the Third Suite also contains moments of unrivaled poignancy and eloquence, notably in the second movement Air. One of Bach’s most beloved compositions, the Air is perhaps best known in its arrangement by 19 th -century violinist August Wilhelmj, entitled Air on the G String.