Bach: The 6 French Suites, Glenn Gould Anniversary Edition

Bach composed the French Suites, BWV 812 --817, in his late-30s between 1722-1725 while living in Cothen (before his move to Leipzig). The first five of the six suites were written for Anna Magdalena, Bach's second wife. Opinions differ on the "French" character of the suites. They did not receive the name "French" Suites until the mid-1700s to distinguish them from the "English" Suites. The French Suites tend to be shorter than the English Suites and they lack opening preludes. They also are written in a style that is singing, even galant in places, rather than in a contrapuntal, fugal manner.Of the six French Suites, the first three are in the minor key and the last three in a major key. Each of the six suites opens with an allemande followed by a courante and sarabande. And each suite concludes with a gigue. The remaining movements can differ. The sixth suite, for example, includes an early instance of a polonaise, a Polish dance that Chopin immortalized. The fifth and the sixth of the suites, with their lyricism and flow, are the finest of the collection but there is great and varied music throughout. The sarabande from the first suite, with its solemn chordal character, is frequently studied by those interested in music theory.The Canadian pianist Glenn Gould (1932 -- 1982) became known for his interpretations of Bach and for his musical and personal eccentricities. His recording of the French Suites date from 1971-1972. I listened to Gould's recording with score in hand, making it quite obvious that this pianist had his own way with Bach. Gould plays with great technique and independence, no pedal, clean articulation, with a tendency towards stacatto, and at highly quick tempos. He also is free with the score, taking many liberties of interpretation in tempo, ornamentation, keyboard register, dynamics, among other things. His is not a purist's rendition of Bach.The suites, nevertheless, are effective under Gould's hands. I am in the process of learning to play the French Suites, and Gould's performance taught me a great deal something about this music. Gould's is not a style to be emulated, especially by an amateur pianist, but his love and insight for the music come through. I am uncomfortable with the cult figure Gould has become as some listeners tend to focus more on the performer and his great musical gifts and eccentricities rather than on the composer and the score. In thinking about this recording, I read an Amazon review of a recording of the French Suites as performed by a contemporary Canadian pianist, Angela Hewitt. The reviewer noted that with Gould, the listener hears Gould's genius while with Hewitt the listener may focus on Bach's genius. This is a succinct way of putting the matter. Yet Gould has brought an appreciation of music and of Bach to many people that might not otherwise have discovered them.In sum, Gould offers an excellent if idiosyncratic rendition of the French Suites. His reading should be heard with an appreciation of the joy of Bach and of creative music-making rather than exclusively as part of a personality cult of a great but troubled pianist.Robin Friedman

Glenn Gould can do no wrong. I prefer the English Suites (also from Amazon, also in perfect condition), but because it is Glenn Gould, I know I'll listen repeatedly, gain familiarity, end up with a favorite, and as always, savor his signature "non-legato" Bach style, where every note is crystalline, so clear and bright.

Glenn Gould plays Bach's French Suites. Apparently there was no shortage of caffeine during these sessions, which seems appropriate. Very enjoyable.

These recordings have such life and expression. Just a delight to listen to. I can play these over and over and never get tired of them.

There's only one Glenn Gould. At the top of his form playing the French Suites. One of my favorite CDs.

LOVE BACH AND GOULD IS RECOGNIZED GENERALLY AS HIS FINEST INTERPRETER.

Stupende esecuzioni. Le interpretazioni di Gould sono sempre molto personali e quindi, data la personalità, molto interessanti anche se poco attendibili sul piano filologico.

Of all the many French Suite recordings I've heard, in spite of its eccentricities, this is the recording I return to, because every time I hear it, I hear something new and fresh. It has everything - and no other recorded-performer comes anywhere near such understanding, enthusiasm and dancing-qualities.