Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany, on March 21, 1685, and died in Leipzig, Germany, on July 28, 1750. Approximate performance time is 20 minutes.

Bach’s Four Orchestral Suites date from his seven-year tenure as Kappellmeister to Prince Leopold in the German town of Cöthen (now, Köthen), northwest of Leipzig. Prince Leopold was a talented musician (Bach described him as “a gracious prince, a lover, and connoisseur of music”). The Prince hoped to duplicate in Cöthen the superb court music establishments he encountered during his studies throughout Europe. Thanks to the patronage of Prince Leopold, Bach was able to compose for several of Europe’s finest instrumentalists.

The orchestral suite, a popular form of instrumental ensemble music in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, comprises an overture and several dance movements. Because of the preeminence of the introductory movement, the entire works were known as “Overtures” (French: ouverture). 19^th-century scholars later applied the term “Suite” to the multi-movement Overture.

Overtures showcase the talents of the instrumentalists, and Bach certainly allows for moments of thrilling display. The Third Orchestral Suite prominently features oboes, trumpets, and timpani in the 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.

The Third Orchestral Suite is in five movements. First is the Ouverture, stately music juxtaposed with a lively fugue. The radiantly beautiful Air is scored for strings and continuo. The third movement offers a pair of Gavottes, a dance set in duple meter and moderate tempo. Next is a Bourrée, a sprightly dance in duple meter. The Suite closes with a Gigue (Jig), a dance of moderate to quick tempo, here cast in 6/8 meter.

Program notes by Ken Meltzer