From early in the 17th century until the form engaged the interest of Johann Sebastian Bach various notable German composers - including Rosenmüller Fischer Fasch and Telemann - had contributed to the development of the orchestral suite or 'Ouverture' whose name betrays its French theatrical origins. From Bach himself only four such suites have survived thanks to the diligence of C.F.Penzel a student at the Thomasschule from 1751 who made copies of Bach's MSS which he found there. Thus neither the dates nor the order of composition of the suites can be established with any certainty. As to the present suite in D major recent criticism suggests that it mayoriginally have been written for strings only and dates in its final form from around 1731. Penzel's copy of the suite includes significant variants to be played by a solo violin (marked Violino Concertato) which are included here in the Appendices.The score is newly-edited from the extant sources consisting of sets of parts (some in Bach's autograph) and copyist's scores are preserved in the Staastbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbestitz Musikabteilung mit Mendelssohn-Archiv. This edition replaces the former Eulenburg miniature score edited by Wilhelm Altmann.

The four orchestral suites of J.S. Bach are superb examples of the composer's innovative mastery of the many dance forms popular in the courts of the 18th century. Reproduced from the authoritative Bach-Gesellschaft edition this volume contains: Suite No.1 in C major (BWV 1066) for two Oboes Bassoon Strings and Continuo Suite No.2 in B minor (BWV 1067) for solo Flute Strings and Continuo - renowned for the 'Badinerie' Suite No.3 in D major (BWV 1068) for three Trumpets Timpani two Oboes Strings and Conituno - well known for the lovely 'Air on G String' Suite No.4 in D major (BWV 1069) for three Trumpets Timpani three Oboes Strings and Conituno.All works appear in full score. At a moderate cost this high quality edition is ideal for study purpose.